Voting Terms
Absentee Ballot - A way to vote by mail instead of going to a polling place. In Michigan, one of following reasons must apply: (1) If a person is 60 years or older, or (2) unable to vote without assistance, (3) will be out of town during the election, (4) in jail waiting arraignment or trial, (5) unable to go to the polls due to religion, (6) plan to work as an election inspector in a precinct other than their own.
Ballot - a sheet of paper used to cast a secret vote
Constitutional Amendment - An addition or change to the state constitution, which requires a vote of the people.
Initiative - An issue put on the state ballot by a citizen petition.
Millage - A tax on property. Local units of government, including school districts, may hold millage elections.
Political Party - an organization made up of people who think alike on various issues that seeks to attain power within a government. Michigan law does not define party membership; this is the responsibility of each political party.
Poll - the place where votes are cast or recorded -- usually used in plural (at the polls).
Precinct - The place where you vote. It is also called a polling place. Your local clerk's office can tell you where your precinct is located. There are a variety of devices in use in Michigan for recording your vote.
Primary - A candidate may appear on the general election ballot by winning a preliminary election called a primary. In Michigan, the state primary is held in August in even-numbered years as are most township primaries. City primaries may be held in odd-numbered years.
Referendum - A vote by citizens that approves or rejects an existing state or local law.
Registration - The process to get on the list of those able to vote on election day. In Michigan you must register 30 days in advance of an election. More information on registration.
