Research the Non-Partisan Side of Your Ballot

If you have an absentee ballot in hand, you already know that the 2010 General Election ballot has two sides.

The partisan side is where you'll find both state-wide and excellent local candidates (for example, Mark Shauer for 7th district Congressional Representative, Christine Green for Michigan 52nd district State Representative and Adam Zemke for Washtenaw County 1st district County Commissioner) listed.

The non-partisan side contains the State and County Ballot Proposals and the candidates for judicial positions. Information about the two State-wide ballot proposals can be found at the Michigan League of Women Voters site. Just scroll down to the State Proposals section.

The only contested judicial race is for Michigan Supreme Court Justice. I've done my research and encourage you to vote for Alton Davis and Denise Morris. In my opinion, it's time to replace Bob Young, incumbent appointee from the Engler administration. You can find out about Justice Young's worst decisions here.

If you plan to vote in person, get information about the voting process and your polling place, and view a sample ballot at Michigan.gov/vote.

We Involved Voters face real choices in the 2010 General Election. Think. Choose. Vote.

Deadline - Monday, October 4

The voter registration deadline here in Michigan is Monday, October 4th. To check your registration information, register to vote, request an absentee ballot, or to find your polling location, go to www.michigan.gov/vote.

You can also register to vote at your county, city, or township Clerk's office, any Secretary of State branch, or one of several state agencies, like the Department of Human Services and the Department of Community Health. It is easy to register, but don't wait until it is too late.

Because Every Election Counts

Every election counts. That's why Involved Voters are making time to meet the candidates, visit their web sites and find out how they stand on the issues.

Ads for candidates range from those that highlight the best of the candidate's record and the values they stand for, to those that use outright falsehoods and emotional button-pushing in an attempt to damage the opponent. Involved Voters are skeptical of ads and fact check them. (factcheck.org and michigantruthsquad.com are two fact-checking sources)

The one and only face-to-face debate by the candidates for governor, Virg Bernero and Rick Snyder, will air on live television statewide at 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 10.

Meet two candidates that current State Representative Pam Byrnes is supporting, Christine Green, candidate for State Representative in the 52nd district, and Adam Zemke, candidate for County Commissioner in the 1st district, at a Moving Michigan Forward event, Thursday, October 7, 6-8 PM at the Chelsea Depot.

Spread the word: We have a choice. Every election counts!

Primary Election Day is today, August 3

Polls are open until 8 PM.

Involved Voters exercise their right to vote.

Not sure where to vote? Go to https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/ to find out.

Support the candidates of your choice.

Research - antidote to 11th hour, negative robo-calls

Involved voters counter last minute, negative robo-calls with research. Want to know a candidate's platform. Here's an example of one place you can look: http://mivote.org/voterinfo/candidates/105.

The Detroit Free Press said this about MiVote.org:

MiVote.org is a nonpartisan, educational Web site designed to facilitate those conversations. The product of a collaboration between Detroit Public Television, the University of Michigan-Dearborn and the Center for Michigan, the site attempts to redefine voter guides.

MiVote.org has published traditional candidate profiles, along with demographic data and statistics on individual districts. What makes MiVote.org unique, however, is providing a common platform for more than 200 candidates in open seat races to address voters directly. Candidates must address four key issues the state faces: what they'd do about the economy and job creation, their views on education, their approach to balance government budgets, and their agenda, if any, for reforming government in Michigan.

By viewing videos, voters have the chance to experience each candidate, hear his or her views, and chat with other voters on the candidate's message and qualifications. In addition, people can post their own videos, expounding their own views of the key issues facing Michigan, and what they, as citizens, think should happen.

MiVote.org's mission also extends to education, offering a curriculum guide and suggested lesson plans, so teachers can take the message of civic responsibility into the classroom and prepare future voters.

Please take the time to inform yourself - and to vote in the Michigan primary, Tuesday, August 3.

August 3rd Primary - Your Vote Counts!

July will zip by. So, it's not too soon for Involved Voters to take a look at the Michigan Primary ballot. Just go to MIVote and put in your voter information to see a sample ballot.

Mark Schauer is running unopposed in the Primary for a second term as 7th District Representative in Congress. If you're in his district, show your appreciation for all he's done by casting a vote for him in the August 3 Democratic primary. He'll have a battle in the General Election with Republicans pouring in the big money to try to defeat him.

Pam Byrnes, who has lived and worked in Washtenaw County for 35 years, has a wealth of knowledge and skill gained from 3 terms as 52nd District State Representative. She's term-limited as a Representative, but we Washtenaw County residents still have a chance to benefit from her leadership in the areas of jobs and education by voting for her in the Democratic primary race for the State Senate.

Christine Green is an excellent candidate who's not afraid to tell you where she stands on the issues facing Michigan. She's a Democratic candidate for the MI 52 District seat that Pam Byrnes is leaving. Voting for her in the August 3rd Primary is the best move to keep the 52nd's seat in the Democratic column in this fall's General Election and avoid the Republican's brand of "bipartisanship".

Adam Zemke is a Democratic candidate for County Commissioner - 1st District. Developing the local economy, increasing government efficiency and preserving essential services are the main points of his platform. He's a good choice for Involved Voters living in Washtenaw County's 1st District

And remember to look for the Democratic Precinct Delegate slate. Delegates serve as your local connection to the Washtenaw County Democratic Party.

Please be sure to request an absentee ballot from your city or township clerk if you plan to be away on vacation August 3 or are eligible for one for another reason.

Last Minute Help with Your 1040

Remember the Recovery Act? Here's a way to make sure you don't miss the tax breaks that were included in it. Go to the Recovery Act Tax Saving Tool at whitehouse.gov.