The presidential primary happens every four years. And in Michigan, that means the only election contest where voters must specifically choose which party’s ballot they want to fill out.
Michigan’s voter registration process does not require eligible voters to note their party affiliation. When Michigan voters participate in other primary and general election contests, they do not have to request a specific party’s ballot.
But the presidential primary is different.
Voters who want to participate in the upcoming Feb. 27 presidential primary must select whether they want the Democratic or Republican primary ballot. The ballot voters receive will only list the presidential candidates seeking the nomination from the party selected by the voter. (Voters can also request a ballot without the presidential primary if available to vote on other proposals or candidates. To find out if your local jurisdiction will have other races on the ballot go to Michigan.gov/Vote.)
The application to request an absentee ballot includes checking a selection box to request a specific party’s presidential primary ballot. Those voting early and in-person on Election Day must also complete an application to select which political party’s ballot they want. In addition to the candidates running, each party’s primary ballot also includes an option for voters to fill in an “uncommitted” bubble instead of selecting a candidate.