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!

The voters of Michigan overwhelmingly passed Prop 2 in November 2022. Its provisions have been added to Michigan’s constitution and are now in effect, including these provisions:

Early Voting

Early voting is the opportunity to cast a ballot in person before Election Day. For voters, the early voting experience will be similar to the experience of voting at a polling place on Election Day and will include the act of feeding the voter’s completed ballot into a tabulator.

Permanent Mail Voter List

Michigan voters now have the right to sign up to become a permanent mail voter, that is, to

submit one signed application that will enable them to receive an absentee ballot before all

future elections.

Election Integrity

Election audits must be securely conducted under the Secretary of State’s supervision by

individuals not affiliated with a political party. Audits must be conducted publicly and funding

must be disclosed. The results of an election shall be determined solely by the ballots cast and certified by the

Board of Canvassers. Neither the Board of Canvassers nor the legislature can override the will of the voters.

Voter Identification

Prop 2 enshrined Michigan’s existing voter ID law into the Constitution. As has been the case for decades, every voter appearing in person to cast a ballot is asked to present an approved photo ID. Registered voters who do not have photo ID or do not have photo ID with them can sign an affidavit of identity and vote a regular ballot. Prop 2 also expands the types of photo IDs that can be used for voting purposes to include those issued by additional educational institutions and by local governments.

Learn more about the provisions of Proposal 2 that have now been added to our Michigan Constitution:

Provisions of Proposal 2

Early Voting

What is the National Popular Vote?

Our President is elected by the Electoral College. Forty-eight (48) states have “winner takes all” laws that require all of their electoral votes to go to the candidate who got the most votes in their state. As a result, the presidential candidates focus their attention on the few states where there is not a clear leader (i.e., swing states) and ignore states where the outcome is predictable.

The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact would guarantee the Presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Compact ensures that every vote, in every state, will matter in every presidential election. The Compact is a state-based approach that preserves the Electoral College, state control of elections, and the power of the states to control how the President is elected.

The Michigan Legislature is expected to consider a National Popular Vote bill this year, joining the other states that have signed on to the compact. Supporters of this effort include LWV Michigan, ACLU, Common Cause, NAACP, Michigan Democratic Party, Voters Not Politicians, People for the American Way, Stand Up America, Public Citizen and others.

Want more information?
Frequently Asked Questions about the National Popular Vote
Video from NationalPopularVote.com: What it Is - Why It's Needed
National Popular Vote website

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

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

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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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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Upcoming Elections

The next election is Tuesday, August 8,2023. This is a primary election and is not needed in some cities or townships. Check VOTE411 to see if there is an election in your area and, if so, what is on your ballot.

More information and important dates can be found on our Elections in 2023 page.

Other election dates for 2023 are:
November 7, 2023

New legislative districts were drawn and will be in effect for the 2022 elections. Learn more about upcoming elections at VOTE411.

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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

Michigan's Citizen's Guide to State Government is now available.

Click here to download your copy.

Attention, High School Seniors!

Are you 17 1/2 years old?

If so, you can register to vote and when you turn 18 you will be able to vote.
Visit our Voter Registration page to learn more.

Resources:

Rock the Vote,

VOTE411
Promote the Vote

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.

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 studies
and come to consensus on at a local, state and national level.

What's on the ballot? Go to:

Who are we? What do we do?

The voters of Michigan overwhelmingly passed Prop 2 in November 2022. Its provisions have been added to Michigan’s constitution and are now in effect, including these provisions: