APRIL 1, 2005

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land reminds Michigan residents that Monday, April 4 is the deadline for registering to vote in the May 3 election.

"On May 3, we will hold our second election under the state’s new consolidated election law," said Land, Michigan’s chief election officer. "I encourage all eligible Michigan residents to register to vote so they can participate fully in our democracy. As this law is still rather new, we are working hard to ensure that voters are aware of the changes."

The consolidated election law limits the number of elections to four each year, which makes it easier for people to know when and where to vote. Local and intermediate school district elections must be conducted annually in May or November, or in May or November of each odd year as determined by the district.

Residents can register at their county, city or township clerk’s office, at any Secretary of State branch office, or by completing a mail-in form. Mail-in forms may be obtained from county and local clerks. Forms are also available on the Secretary of State Web site at www.michigan.gov/sos. They must be postmarked on or before April 4 to meet the registration deadline for the election.

Residents who register by mail must vote in person their first time unless they are age 60 or older, temporarily residing overseas, or disabled as defined by law. Residents who have never voted in Michigan and register by mail, may also be subject to new identification requirements.

To register, applicants must be 18 years old by Election Day, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Michigan and the city or township in which they are applying.

Residents can obtain an absent voter ballot if they expect to be away from their city or township on Election Day, are 60 years of age or older, are in jail awaiting trial or arraignment, unable to attend the polls for religious reasons, or are physically unable to attend the polls without the assistance of another person.

A summary of the key dates for the May 3 election:

— April 4 – Last day to register to vote in the May 3 election.

— April 29 at 4 p.m. – Filing deadline for write-in candidates.

— April 30 at 2 p.m. – Deadline for applying for an absentee ballot by mail.

— May 2 at 4 p.m. – Deadline for voters to vote an absentee ballot in person.

— May 3 – Election Day. Voters who qualify for an emergency absentee ballot may obtain one up to 4 p.m.

Anyone with questions about filing requirements or procedures for obtaining an absentee ballot should contact their county clerk.