Michigan residents can visit any Michigan Department of Human Services county office across the state to beat the July 7 deadline for voter registration applications for the Aug. 5 general primary election.

Individuals who are seeing caseworkers, conducting supervised visitations or visiting the offices for any reason can complete and submit voter registration materials. Individuals are not required to be receiving DHS services or assistance to complete voter registration applications.

"Casting a vote is a powerful way to be involved in decisions that have a direct impact on your life," DHS Director Ismael Ahmed said. "It is an important tool to root out poverty."

The 2008 study "Rooting Out Poverty" by the Community Action Agency Partnership recommends registering people to vote as a means to maximize participation in society, a critical component to end long-term poverty.

For a list of the nearest DHS office, please go to www.michigan.gov/dhs-countyoffices

For more information go to the DHS Web site.