A Friendly Reminder for the August Primary: Stay in Your Lane

Absentee ballots are out, early voting is just around the corner, and the August Primary Election is coming up soon.

Whether you vote absentee, early in person or on Election Day, here is one important reminder for Michigan’s primary:

Stay in your lane.

In Michigan’s primary election, voters do not have to register by political party. However, when voting in the partisan section of the primary ballot, you do need to choose one party section and stay within that section.

That means you may vote in the Democratic section or the Republican section, but you may not vote in both. If you cross over and select candidates from more than one political party in the partisan section, those partisan votes cannot be counted.

This can feel a little confusing, especially for voters who consider themselves independent, moderate or simply like to choose candidates from both parties. In the primary, you still have to pick one party section for the partisan races. In the General Election on Tuesday, November 3, you may vote for candidates from different parties.

If you vote in person and make a mistake, the tabulator may alert election workers that there is an issue with the ballot. Election workers do not see who you voted for, but they can help you understand your options, including receiving a new ballot if needed.

If you vote absentee, it is especially important to carefully review your ballot before returning it. Take your time, read the instructions and make sure you are only voting in one party section for partisan races.

There may also be a nonpartisan or proposal section on your ballot. That section is separate from the partisan races. Voters may vote on proposals regardless of which party section they choose in the primary.

For Cannon Township voters, the August Primary ballot includes a Fire Protection Millage Renewal Proposition.

This proposal asks voters whether to renew the existing fire protection millage for a 10-year period, from 2026 through 2035, and restore the rate to 1.0 mill. The current authorized rate has been reduced over time by required rollbacks under the Headlee Amendment. If approved and levied in full, the restored 1.0 mill would provide funding for Cannon Township Fire Department operations and maintenance, firefighting and emergency vehicles, apparatus and equipment, and related Fire Department facilities.

This is not about political party. It is a local proposal that voters will see in the proposal section of the ballot.

So, as you prepare to vote:

Choose one party section in the partisan primary.

Do not cross over between political party sections.

Remember that proposals are separate and may still be voted on.

Review your ballot carefully before returning it, especially if voting absentee.

Your vote matters, and a few extra minutes of review can help make sure your voice is counted.