Why is the Michigan primary so early this year? Well, it’s because Governor Whitmer wanted us as a state to have a “bigger say” in the process, according to the Detroit Free Press. Thus, even though the primary is still a Pisces, it is not anywhere near my birthday and I will not be having a party about it. Sorry.
If you haven’t registered to vote yet, you can do so online until February 12.
New! Early In-Person Voting
If February 27 still isn’t early enough for you, or you want to beat the crowds, Gilmore clerk Dave Bissell says election workers will be at the Community Building for the 9 days up to and including the Sunday before the election, from 7 am to 3 pm. Election workers are needed, and the job pays $15 an hour, so please contact the clerk’s office (info above below and linked here) if you’re interested.
Who’s on the Ballot?
It’s the Presidential Primary for all candidates, and there are no other races or proposals. You do not have to be registered as a member of a party, but you do have to choose a Democratic or Republican ballot. So, you can vote for any of the Republican candidates or any of the Democratic candidates, but you can’t cross the streams. And then in the General Election in November you can vote for a candidate from a different party if you want.
Note that Vivek Ramaswamy dropped out of the presidential race after the Iowa caucuses, and Asa Hutchinson has suspended his campaign, so there are now four Republican candidates on the ballot. You might want to check with Ballotpedia before February 27 or whenever you vote (keep hitting refresh) to make sure your preferred candidate is still in the race. Note that as of now there are three Democratic candidates, not just Joseph Robinette Biden!