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What's on the ballot? Go to: 

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Who are we? What do we do?


The League of Women Voters of Holland Area is a non-partisan organization working to empower voters and defend democracy. We provide information about the voting process, hold candidate forums, sponsor voter registration drives, publish voter guides and maintain the VOTE411 website. These are are just a few examples of our league’s activities.


We do not support or oppose any candidates. We do study issues and take positions on those issues. One example is the League’s support of Proposal 2 – Promote the Vote 2022, the amendment to Michigan’s Constitution that was approved by voters in November.

 

We have just over 100 members – both men and women. League members have a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. They support the work of the league by volunteering for events, attending meetings, helping with activities, and studying issues. 


Membership is open to anyone who is at least 18 years old. Interested in learning more or joining us for a meeting? Have a question? Contact us!

Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events


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LWVHA Local Voters Guide for Ottawa and Allegan County7
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Find out about your local Nov 5 election by entering your zip code HERE



We Need Your Help!

2024 is an election year and LWVHA will sponsor many events this year.  Members please consider volunteering for the observer core, for Candidate Meet and Greets,  and Information tables  at various events.  Volunteer Opportunities  are usually only a 2-3 hour commitment and you will be working with another person.  Nonmembers please consider joining us by clicking on Become a Member at the top of the page.

Volunteering is  a great way to meet other League Members and to  attend interesting events in the Holland Community.
Click here to see how you can help. 
Volunteer
Open Positions



There are several candidate events coming up between now and the November General Election. The LWVHA is sponsoring “Meet and Greet” and Candidate Forums to provide an opportunity for voters to learn about the candidates running for county and local offices. Please try to attend, volunteer to help, and share information about these events with friends and family members.

September 12 – Judicial Forum, Ottawa County. See video of forum Here

September 16 - Candidate Forum - Stat House Reps Districts 85,86, and 89  Link to the Forum video  Here

September 17– Saugatuck City Council Candidate Event-Link to the video of the forum is Here

September 25– Ottawa County Commission Candidate Event (Districts 1-4) Link to video of this event click HERE 

September 30 – Ottawa County Commission Candidate Event (Districts 8 & 11) To view the event click HERE

October 1  - Ottawa County Commission Candidate Event (Districts 5-7) To view the event click HERE   

October 2  - Douglas Village Council Candidate Forum . Submit question for the candidates HERE

October 3 - LWVGH Candidate Meet & Greet County Commissions Dist 9&10, State Reps Dist 88 & 89. 

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Don't Miss the Kick-off Meeting September 24

Ana Ramírez-Sáenz, founder and CEO of LaFuente Consulting, will be the guest speaker for the League Kick-off meeting on Tuesday, September 24, 6:30-8 p.m.


She will be speaking about “Creating a Welcoming Culture,” including the importance of a diverse group of decision-makers, how to align your vision for an equitable and inclusive organization, and she will address the barriers that stand in the way of achieving equity.


The Kick-off event is open to guests, so plan to bring a friend of two.


To learn more about Ms. Ramírez-Sáenz, go to https://grandrapids.org/speakers/ana-ramirez-saenz/


 Recent Additions to Voting Policies

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Ballot Tracking
Ballot Tracking
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Early Voting Vs Absentee Voting
Early Voting Vs Absentee Voting
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Ottawa and Allegan Early Voting Sites
Ottawa and Allegan Early Voting Sites
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Permanent Mail Ballot List
Permanent Mail Ballot List
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State of MI Voter Information
State of MI Voter Information
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Drop Boxes
Drop Boxes
 
LWV Town Hall on Voting Rights
To watch a video explaining some of the new voting rights, click the link above.

Election Information

Are you ready for the next election?

Are you registered to vote?

Do you know your if your legislative districts have changed? 

Are you planning to vote in person or by absent voter ballot?  

If you want to vote by absentee ballot, have you applied for your ballot?


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Who are the candidates on my ballot?
Who are the candidates on my ballot?

In a general election, voters choose candidates for statewide, district and local offices, including:

  • U.S. House of Representative for your district.

  • Governor/Lt Governor for Michigan

  • Secretary of State for Michigan

  • Attorney General for Michigan

  • Supreme Court for Michigan

  • University Boards

  • State Senator for your district.

  • State Representative for your district.

  • County Board of Commissioners for your county.

  • City Council Members for your city.

  • School Board Members for your school district.

 Any statewide proposals will also appear on the ballot.


You can find a sample of your ballot by going to the Michigan Voter Information Center (link below). Fill in your name and birthdate OR drivers' license information to see your ballot and your legislative district information.     The candidates that will be on your ballot are listed there, too. 

Michigan Voter Information Center


To learn more about the candidates and proposals on your ballot go to:  VOTE411

Candidates were asked questions and their responses can be found on this website.  If no information is listed, the candidate did not respond to requests for information.

The League of Women Voters and MLive have cooperated on this project to make this information available to voters.


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What legislative district are you in?
What legislative district are you in?

Many legislative districts in Michigan changed with the redistricting process completed by the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) in 2021.  Redistricting takes place after each census or every 10 years. 



Your districts and polling place may have changed since the last election.  To find out what legislative districts you live in, go to: Your Voter Information


Links to maps of the new districts can be found below. Your legislative districts include:

   U.S.Congressional Representative (U.S. House of Representatives)

   Michigan State Senate 

   Michigan Congressional District (Michigan House of Representatives)

   County Commissioner District


US Congressional District Map

Michigan State House District Map

Michigan State Senate District Map

Ottawa County Commission District Map

Allegan County Commission District Map



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Planning to vote by absentee ballot?
Planning to vote by absentee ballot?

Absentee ballots will be available about six weeks before the election.  If you completed a request/application for an absentee ballot, your local clerk has mailed it to you. You must return your ballot to your local clerk by 8PM on election day.  BE SURE to sign your absentee ballot before you submit it.  First class postage is required to mail your ballot back. You can also drop it off at your local clerk's office or in a designated dropbox.


If you have not applied for an absentee ballot, but want to use this method to vote, you can apply for a ballot online or mail in the application:  Online application for absentee ballot

You can also contact your local clerk's office to request an absentee ballot. 


You can track your absentee ballot to be sure it was received. Go to: 

Michigan Voter Information Center  to track your absentee ballot.


Michigan law allows all registered voters to use this voting method.


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Planning to vote in person?
Planning to vote in person?

The voting locations are open from 7am until 8pm on Election Day.  You have a right to vote if you are in line at 8pm on Election Day.

Not sure where to vote? You can find your polling location at

Michigan Voter Information Center OR

VOTE411

You can also call your city or township clerk's office.


You will be asked for a photo ID when you go to vote.  If you do not have a photo ID or do not have it with you, you can sign a form and then vote.

Examples of photo ID (a document with your name and picture) include:

A driver's license from any state, high school or college ID, passport, military or government issued ID, Tribal ID card.  Electronic or paper copies will work.



Your Voter Toolbox

Do you have questions about voting or upcoming elections?
We can help!


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Who Can Vote?
Who Can Vote?
  • Are you a U.S. Citizen?
  • Have you been a resident of a city or township in Michigan for at least 30 days (as of Election Day)?
  • Are you at least 17 1/2 years old AND will be 18 years old by Election Day?
  • Are you NOT currently serving a sentence in jail or prison?

If you answered "Yes" to these questions, then you can vote!

What if you are homeless?
 You can still register to vote. Use a street corner, park, shelter, or other place where you usually stay as your address. 

 Learn more about your rights as a voter:Voting Rights in Michigan

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Registering to Vote
Registering to Vote

You can register to vote online, at any Secretary of State Branch Office, or at your local city, township or county clerk's office. 

To register online, go to
Michigan Voter Information Center
The deadline for registering online is 15 days before the election.

To find your local clerk's office, go to:
Ottawa County Clerks Information
Allegan County Clerks Information
You can register at the clerk's office up until 8pm on Election Day at the clerk's office. They are also open some weekends before the election. Check with your local clerk for dates and hours.

To find a Michigan Secretary of State Branch Office, go to:
Secretary of State Office Locator

What will you need to register to vote?
You will need proof that you are eligible to vote.(Proof of Michigan residency, U.S. citizenship, your birthdate, and that you are not serving a sentence in jail or prison).
You will also need proof of where you live. (Driver's license or Michigan ID, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or other government document.)

We have more information about voter registration on our voter registration page: Voter Registration

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Voting before Election Day by Absentee Ballot
Voting before Election Day by Absentee Ballot

You can vote before Election Day  using an Absentee Ballot. All registered voters in Michigan are now able to vote using an absentee ballot - you don't need a reason or excuse.

To request an absentee ballot online go to:
Apply Online for an Absentee Ballot

Voters now have the option to add their name to the Permanent Mail Ballot list. If you sign up for this option, you will  automatically receive a ballot for each election and will not have to request an absentee ballot each time.. For more information see:
Permanent Mail Ballot List


You can also go to your local clerk's office to request an absentee ballot. Find your local clerk's office:
Allegan County Clerks Information
Ottawa County Clerks Information

Be sure to return your absentee ballot to your local clerk's office no later than 8PM on Election Day. You can mail it to your clerk's office OR drop it off in the drop box at the clerk's office. BE SURE that you return your ballot to YOUR CLERK'S office. 

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Early Voting before Election Day
Early Voting before Election Day

Beginning with the Presidential Primary Election in 2024, all Michigan voters now have the option to cast their ballot in person before Election Day during the Early Voting period in all state and federal elections. (This is not an option for local elections in most locations.)

Early Voting Sites are open at least eight (8) hours a day for nine (9) consecutive days beginning on the second Saturday before an election and ending on the Sunday before an election. Since the Early Voting site may not be the same as a voter’s regular polling location, it is important to check with the local clerk to learn the location and times the Early Voting Site is open.

The voting experience at an Early Voting Site will be the same as voting on Election Day. Voters will sign a request for a ballot, show their photo ID, complete the ballot and then feed it into the tabulator. The option of Early Voting is a big help for people who have work schedules that make it difficult to get to a polling location on Election Day, but still wish to vote in person.

For more information, download this flyer.

Early Voting vs. Absentee Ballot Voting

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Voting on Election Day
Voting on Election Day

Do you know where to vote on Election Day?  It will depend on where you live.
Go here to: 
Find out where YOU vote

The polls are open from 7am until 8pm on Election Day. If you are in line at 8pm, you have the right to vote.
You can see a sample of your ballot before you vote, so that you are prepared. 
To find the ballot that you will be voting on, go here:   
Find a sample of your ballot

What if you need help? 
You have the right to assistance from election officials.  For example, you can ask for instructions on how to use the voting equipment. 

Do you need a photo ID to vote?
You will be asked for a photo ID when you go to vote.  If you do not have a photo ID or do not have it with you, you can sign a form and then vote.
Examples of photo ID (a document with your name and picture) include:
A driver's license from any state, high school or college ID, passport, military or government issued ID, Tribal ID card.  Electronic or paper copies will work.

What if you make a mistake on your ballot or the voting machine doesn't work correctly?
Ask for a new ballot right away. You have a right to a new ballot if you catch the mistake before your ballot is inserted into the tabulating machine and counted.  If the scanner rejects your ballot, ask for a new one. You have the right to start over.

What if someone tries to harass or intimidate you or challenges your right to vote?
Tell a poll worker immediately.  If the poll worker is the problem, contact your local clerk. 
If you are still having a problem, call a nonpartisan hotline for help.
Election Protection Hotline: 1-866-687-8683

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Election Security
Election Security
Michigan's elections have been safe and secure. 
Local clerks and election workers have worked tirelessly to assure the security and accuracy of our elections.
Ottawa County's clerk, Justin Roebuck, has provided a detailed explanation of how your vote is secured before, during and after election day.:  
Securing your Vote
Here are some of the steps that the state of Michigan has taken:  
Election Security in Michigan
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2024 Election Dates
2024 Election Dates
  • February 27, 2024 - Presidential Primary Election and Local Proposals
  • May 7, 2024 - Special Election
  • June 27, 2024 - Absentee Ballots available for August 6th Election
  • July 22, 2024 - Deadline to register online or by mail for August 6th Election
  • July 27, 2024 - Early Voting begins for August 6th Election
  • August 6, 2024 - Primary Election
  • September 26 , 2024 - Absentee Ballots available for November 5th Election
  • October 21, 2024 - Deadline to register online or by mail for November 5th Election
  • October 26, 2024 - Early Voting begins for November 5th Election
  • November 5, 2024 - General Election
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More Questions?
More Questions?

Do you have more questions?

Here are some resources to help:
MichiganVoting.org

Michigan Voter Information Center
League of Women Voters Michigan

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2024 Voter Information Brochure
2024 Voter Information Brochure

Click below for a compact summary of the 2024 voter information.


2024 Voter Information Brochure
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Picture on right: July 9th Forum - Candidates Jim Barry, Gretchen Cosby, Jordan Jorritsma. All candidates in Districts 1 and 2 with Primary Election challengers were invited to participate. To view video of the event click here

Because Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport


The League of Women Voters, a non-partisan political organization,
encourages informed and active participation in government, 
works to increase understanding of major policy issues,
and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

The League never supports or opposes candidates, 
but we do take positions on issues that we have studied
and come to consensus on at a local, state and national level.


Empowering Voters.
Defending Democracy.



Join Us!

It's easy to join! (Join Us Now) Have questions? 
Email the League at membership@lwvholland.org .
We'd be happy to answer any questions you might have.

If you prefer to (Donate Now)  without joining our organization, we would appreciate your support.





League of Women Voters of Holland Area
P.O. Box 3183
Holland, MI  49422-3183

Contact Us