Election 2014: What Mid-Michigan Voters Need To Know

The 2014 Midterm Elections are upon us. Mid-Michigan voters will head to the polls Tuesday to decide a number of local, state, and national races. While some voters may have their minds made up, others remain undecided. Some are even intimidated, due to a lack of resources to educate themselves. I've tried to put as much pertinent information together in one package to help get you ready.

First of all, polls are open 7:00AM-8:00PM Tuesday. You must be a registered voter. You will be asked for Photo ID, not necessarily a Voter ID card, but, you should have it on hand, if possible, for convenience purposes. If you do not have a Photo ID, you will be asked to fill out a form to verify your identity and eligibility. If you need to know where to vote, this link to the Michigan Secretary of State website will help. The link will also allow you to view a sample ballot based upon your voting precinct.

If you need assistance with travelling to the polls, this article at wilx.com provides details on CATA's offer of free bus rides for voters.

This article at mlive.com helps to detail some of the big races across the state, including the Michigan Gubernatorial, US Senate, and Michigan Attorney General races, among others. For information on local races, mlive.com has provided this article.

The list of dos-and-don'ts for polling areas can be confusing. wlns.com has provided details on what citizens can and cannot do once they've reached their polling area.

This should provide you with most everything you need to know before hitting the polls tomorrow morning. Just remember, take a few minutes of your time to sever your civil duty. Every voice and every vote counts. Don't let a fear of not winning or not getting your way keep you from voting...unless you like being a grazing sheep. If you don't like your choice of candidates, write-in votes are real things. And, remember, you don't have to vote a straight party ticket. And, you can opt not to vote for some races if you wish...there is no requirement to have a fully executed ballot. You make that choice. Just keep in mind, if you don't vote, you have no right to complain about those that are elected!