Election Day, Nov. 3, is less than six weeks away and Michigan Medicine is encouraging all eligible faculty, staff and learners to exercise their right and make their voices heard!
In order to do just that, it is important to take some time and prepare to vote while adhering to public health guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are some things to keep in mind that will help you in the lead-up to Election Day:
Make a plan to vote
- Register: If you have not done so already, be sure to check your voter registration status and get information on your polling location here. You can register any time up through Election Day, but it is best to register as soon as possible.
- Decide how you want to vote:You can vote absentee or in person. Given the public health crisis, members of the U-M community are strongly encouraged to vote absentee.
- If voting absentee:
- Request your ballot: There are several ways to request a ballot. Registered voters can request an absentee ballot online before Oct. 30. All registered voters in Michigan also received an absentee ballot application in the mail. Alternatively, you can request a ballot from your township or city clerk prior to election day.
- Return your ballot early: Ballots can be returned by mail, or to your clerk’s office directly. Voters are encouraged to return absentee ballots as early as possible.
- If voting in-person:
- Know where you vote: Find your polling location here.
- Decide when you’ll vote: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Nov. 3. You have the right to vote if you are in line by 8 p.m.
- Know what to expect at the polls: Find full details here.
- If voting early in person or via absentee ballot, early voting begins Sept. 24 and ends on Nov. 2.
- If voting absentee:
- If you live in Ann Arbor, you can register or vote early at a pop-up city clerk satellite office right on campus! The office is located in the U-M Museum of Art. Click here to learn more.
Get involved
On top of voting yourself, there are other ways you can help in the election process. Here are a few ideas:
- Vote tripling: Now that you’ve made a plan to vote, get three other people to vote, too! Talk with colleagues, friends and family about voting, and support them in making their own plan to vote this fall.
- Volunteer as a poll worker: Nationally, more than two-thirds of jurisdictions reported that it was either “very difficult” or “somewhat difficult” to obtain a sufficient number of poll workers to meet their needs. Without poll workers, polling locations can’t open and people cannot vote. You can find out more and sign up online.
In the end, voting is one of the most valuable rights a U.S. citizen can hold, and carrying out that duty is essential.
Thank you for making a plan and helping others make their voices heard on Nov. 3!
If any employees are interested in supporting patients and families exercise their right to vote, please review the guidelines for conversation document and use the materials on the Voting in 2020 website.