Everything you need to know about the March primary election in Greater Lansing
Expanded options for no reason absentee voting and registration day-of mean it has never been easier to access your democratic right to vote – so don't let the opportunity pass you by.
Here is a simple guide to everything you need to know about the primary election in Greater Lansing.
How to vote in a primary
First of all, it's not the same as a General Election (the one held in November). In Michigan presidential primaries, there are separate ballots for Republican or Democratic Party candidates (as well as a third option if you prefer to vote on local proposals only).
For in-person voters, polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit mvic.sos.state.mi.us to find your polling place. You may register up to 8 p.m. on Election Day at your local clerk's office (not at individual polling places).
FIRST-TIME VOTERS:What you should know before the primary
Read more about the candidates
Two candidates remain in the 2020 Presidential race from the Democratic Party; and two from the Republican Party. Take a look at the interactive guide to learn more about their positions and talking points on the issues that matter most to you.
MEET THE CANDIDATES:An interactive guide on who is running
Tax issues on Lansing-area ballots
Voters across the Lansing area will soon decide on a series of added taxes to fund government services. Questions range from paying for health services in Ingham County to an East Lansing land sale to charter township status for Benton Township. Here are some key facts to consider before casting a ballot.
READ MORE:What tax issues are on Lansing-area primary ballots
3 Ingham County ballot proposals
Three millages are up for renewal in March 2020, with $12.4 million in revenue on the table for Potter Park Zoo, parks and trails and health services. Two of the three are also proposed increases from the previously approved millage amounts.
THE BREAKDOWN:How much each proposal would cost, what you get, for how long
CATA asks for millage renewal
For voters in the transportation authority's district, CATA is seeking renewal of a millage last renewed in 2014; it's for 3.007 mills per year for the next five years. The CATA district includes Lansing and East Lansing, as well as Delhi, Lansing and Meridian townships.
MORE INFO:CATA seeks 5-year renewal of millage for public transportation
East Lansing voters: MSUFCU
The City of East Lansing is looking to sell land to MSUFCU for a new, multi-story branch and office building in the heart of downtown. The spot is currently occupied by a parking lot (Parking Lot #4, at the corner of Abbot Road and Albert Avenue, adjacent to Dublin Square) and has an agreed-upon sale price of $810,000.
MORE:What you need to know about the MSUFCU ballot question
Clinton County 911 radio system
The county's 20-year-old radio system is outdated and will soon not be supported by the manufacturer, so the county wants to build a modern system that will operate as part of the Michigan Statewide Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS), improving radio coverage and making it easier for Clinton County first-responders to communicate with their counterparts in neighboring counties.
MORE:What you need to know about the Clinton County millage proposal
More resources for voters
Elections 2020 Voter Guide from USA TODAY
Absentee ballot requests nearly double in Ingham County ahead of March primary
Visit vote.org or contact the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-687-8683. For assistance in Spanish, call 888-839-8682 for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). For ACLU hotlines in additional languages, visit aclumich.org/en/know-your-rights/voting.