I voted - how about you?
5 October 2024
1. What will motivate unlikely voters?
This essay discusses why it is so important to vote and suggests:
I believe the winning argument, one you should consider with the unlikely voters you know, goes something like this: All the way back to our revolution, more than a million Americans have given their lives to protect the Democracy all of us enjoy. Everyone in this country has a recent ancestor who fought for their rights or came here from elsewhere in the world so their children could have a say in how they’re governed.
Attempts around the world to create “republics” that do not respond to the will of the electorate have had tragic results from Berlin and Moscow to Pyongyang and Beijing. Non-voters need to know that their lack of participation in the upcoming election could create a similar autocracy here.
Realizing the rich promise of our democracy means all Americans need to head for the polls in honor of the millions that have sacrificed to defend our political way of life. Despite many attempts to defeat our democracy, no one before or since — not even Plato — has found a better way to govern. It may very well take our country another 250 years to realize its potential — and a vote this November could be critical to giving us a chance.
2. Voting not only helps your community (as does other public involvement) but may help you achieve success and have better health, click here.
3. If you live in Southeast Michigan in Berkley, Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Oak Park, Lathrup Village, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak or Southfield, voting helps your community win a prize for a charity it designates as part of our 2024 Voter Challenge.
4. Voting has started in Michigan with absentee ballots. Here is some information from the City of Huntington Woods about voting:
WHAT IS YOUR VOTING PLAN?
The Clerk's office has set a goal to have the highest voter turnout in Huntington Woods history for the November 5th election, and we need your help to make it happen! Make sure you plan how you will be casting your vote, in-person, absentee, or early voting. Absentee Ballots for all residents on the Permanent Ballot List and who submitted their AV application by September 20th were received by the mailing service on September 26th!
Do you want to vote Absentee? Come to City Hall for your absentee ballot! Valid ID required.
In November 2022, Michigan voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment that gives voters the right to vote early and in person at early voting sites before statewide and federal elections. Communities may also choose to provide early voting for local elections.
Early voting allows a voter to cast a ballot before Election Day, in an experience similar to voting on Election Day. During the early voting period, voters are issued a ballot and can then insert their ballot directly into a tabulator at their early voting site.
Early Voting begins on October 26th and will run through November 3rd. You can participate in Early Voting in either location below:
Oak Park Community Center, 14300 Oak Park Blvd. Oak Park, MI 48237
Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Rd. Waterford, MI 48328
UPCOMING NOVEMBER 5TH ELECTION IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, October 21: Deadline to register by mail or online and be eligible to vote for the November election.
Tuesday, October 22: In-person registration at City Hall with proof of residency is allowed between this date and the day before the election.
Saturday, October 26: Early voting is available at the OAK PARK COMMUNITY CENTER. Open from 8:30 am- 4:30 pm.
Learn more here and contact the City Clerk with questions at (248) 581-2638 or cityclerk@hwmi.org.
IMPORTANT ELECTION INFORMATION
The City has been made aware that many residents are receiving 3rd party voter registration forms or absentee voting applications. These mailed out forms look as if they were sent by the City and may cause confusion. Please note that the City does not send out a voter registration form unless instructed specifically by an individual resident to do so. The City also does not send out Absentee Voter applications unless the voter is on the Permanent Absentee Voter list.
Residents are free to fill out these 3rd party forms and submit them to the City, however, it is likely not needed. To identify if your election mail is coming from the City or a 3rd party please examine the envelope. If the envelope has the Huntington Woods logo printed on the upper left hand side, the City has likely sent you the enclosed information. Anything else is likely sent by a 3rd party election organization. Contact your City Clerk for any questions at 248-581-2632.
Check Your Voter Registration Here!
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