Residents urged to be cautious of scams

OCTOBER 18, 2004

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today reminded eligible residents that there is still time to request an absentee voter ballot for the Nov. 2 election. She also encouraged vigilance against related scams that have surfaced in limited areas.

"Absentee ballots are a convenient way to vote for residents unable to attend the polls," Land said. "There's still time for eligible residents to apply. Local clerks are a valuable resource. The state also has excellent resources to help residents understand the process. Your vote is important. Make sure your voice is heard on Nov. 2."

Residents can request an absentee voter ballot by visiting their city or township clerk's office through 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1.

To request that an absentee ballot be mailed to their home, residents have until 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30 to submit a written request to their city or township clerk. Upon receiving a mailed ballot, voters must complete and return it to the clerk's office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Absentee ballot applications are available online at www.michigan.gov/vote.

Registered voters can obtain absentee ballots if they are:

• Age 60 or older
• Unable to attend the polls without the assistance of another person
• Expecting to be out of town on Election Day
• In jail awaiting arraignment or trial
• Unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons
• Appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of their precinct of residence.

It is important to note that residents who have registered to vote by mail or via a voter registration drive and have never voted in Michigan are not eligible to vote by absentee ballot in their first election. They must vote in person at their precinct. This restriction does not apply to overseas voters, voters who are handicapped or voters who are 60 or older.

The voter's signature on the absentee ballot return envelope must match the signature on file. If a voter receives assistance in preparing the ballot, the signature of the person providing the help must also be on the return envelope.

Signed absentee ballots can only be returned to a clerk's office by the voter, a family member or person residing in the voter's household, a mail carrier or election official.

Emergency absentee ballots are available as well. Requests must be submitted after the Oct. 30 deadline but before 4 p.m. on Election Day.

There are reports that some residents in Ann Arbor and southern Wayne County received phone calls from people identifying themselves as members of the state Bureau of Elections or local clerk's offices. The callers are attempting to mislead residents by telling them that the deadline to apply for an absent voter ballot has passed. They also are asking residents to send their completed ballots elsewhere.

Land emphasized that state or local officials are not making such calls.

"This fraudulent activity is unconscionable," Land said. "State and local officials, as well as numerous colleges and organizations, are working hard to get people to the polls. We won't let our positive message be overshadowed by a few of these unfortunate incidents. While these activities appear to be extremely limited and do not represent what's going on throughout Michigan, it's important that residents do not release private information over the phone."

Land encouraged residents who have questions to contact their local clerks or call the state Bureau of Elections at (517) 373-2540. They also can visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote.

She added that precincts statewide will post information outlining a voter's rights and responsibilities.

Related Links
> Back to News & Headlines
> Absentee Voter Ballot Application
> www.Michigan.gov/vote
> Information for Voters
> Michigan Help America Vote Act
> Michigan Voter Rights and Responsibilitie (PDF file)