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REMEMBER TO VOTE IN THE PRIMARY ELECTION ON AUGUST 6!

What You Need to Know About Voting in the Primary

If you vote in both the Democratic and the Republican Party sections, your ballot will be rejected. However, you don’t need to vote for a candidate in every office under the partisan section. For example, you can vote for a U.S. Senate candidate, but not vote for a candidate for U.S. Representative.

In addition to the partisan sections, the August Primary ballots also have a section for important nonpartisan races for offices like circuit court judge. You can vote for candidates in the nonpartisan section, no matter which partisan section you choose. These races are just as important and consequential as the partisan races, so don’t forget about this last section.

Finally, don’t forget to flip your ballots over - there may be important races on the back of the ballot as well.

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!

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 August 6 Primary Election. Our League and the Grand Haven League are sponsoring “Meet and Greet” and Candidate Forums to provide an opportunity for voters to learn about the candidates running for county offices. Please try to attend, volunteer to help, and share information about these events with friends and family members.
Coming up:
July 30 - 6:30-7:30 p.m. Coopersville Brewing,1275 W Randall St,, Coopersville,, MI
Meet & Greet, candidates for County Commission Districts 8 & 11

July 11, 2024: LWVHA Host Five Candidates For Ottawa County District 5, 6 and 7

Picture: Meet and Greet - Moderator Paula Lewison, Candidates Mark Northrup, Michelle Dieleman, Shawn Haff, Heather Majestic and John Teeples. Each of the 5 candidates who accepted the LWVHA invitation to speak presented their vision and qualifications as candidates for the Ottawa County Commission. All candidates in Districts 5, 6 and 7 were invited to attend.

The video of the event can be viewed here.

July 11 Dist 5-7 Candidate Event

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 County 2024 Early Voting
Allegan County Early Voting Dates/Times
Allegan County 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 Early Voting Info,

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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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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

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

2024 Voter Information Brochure

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.

What's on the ballot? Go to:

What You Need to Know About Voting in the Primary

Who are we? What do we do?

We Need Your Help!

Election Information

Your Voter Toolbox

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

Do you have more questions?

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

Because Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport

Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

Join Us!

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

Empowering Voters.
Defending Democracy.