On November 8, 2022, voters statewide passed Proposal 22-2. With direction from the Michigan Bureau of Elections, the City Clerk’s Office is working to implement all the provisions outlined. Several of the changes will not take effect until 2024, but the following are changes you will see this year:
Voter right to single application to vote absentee in all elections:
Absentee Voter Applications for the upcoming August 8, 2023, Special Election - South Lake School District include the option to add yourself to the Permanent Ballot List where you will automatically be sent an absent voter ballot for all elections. Joining the Permanent Ballot List is optional, if you would like to be added please make sure to check the box on your absentee voter ballot application.
State-Funded prepaid postage for Absentee Voter Ballot Applications and Absent Voter Ballots:
Absentee Voter Ballot Applications mailed to you directly from the City Clerk’s Office will include prepaid return postage. Prepaid return postage is also provided for Absentee Voter Ballots.
Upcoming additional changes to be implemented by 2024:
- State-Funded Secure Drop Box: In addition to the current election drop boxes located in the front and rear of City Hall, at least one additional drop box will be installed at the south end and one at the north end of the city. Voters will be informed of exact locations once the drop boxes are provided by the State.
- In-Person Early Voting: As mandated for each Statewide and Federal Election, early voting will be available nine (9) consecutive days, beginning on the second Saturday before the election and ending on the Sunday before the election, for at least eight (8) hours each day. Voters will be notified of early voting location and exact hours once finalized authorization has been given by the State.
- State-Funded Notification System: The system shall permit voters to elect to receive electronic notifications regarding the status of the voter’s submitted absent voter ballot application and absent voter ballot, inform voters of any deficiency with the voter’s submitted absent voter ballot application or absent voter ballot, and provide instructions for addressing any such deficiency. As in the past, voters can access their voter information at michigan.gov/vote and be able to view the status of their absentee voter ballot application and their absentee voter ballot, the new provision will allow voters the option to receive electronic notifications. The State is working to upgrade its system to be in compliance.
