There's still time to influence who will run for Michigan's elected offices by registering to vote for the August 8 primary.
The primary will narrow the field of people contending for a chance to run in the general election November 7.
Among the seats up for grabs are governor, a U.S. Senate seat, and numerous seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and the state Legislature.
Kelly Chesney, spokeswoman for Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, said people interested in registering to vote must do so at least 30 days before the election.
• To register to vote for the first time, visit a Secretary of State office and ask to register. There's one in East Lansing at the corner of Albert Avenue and Charles Street.
• There are other means of registering to vote, including visiting the East Lansing City Clerk's Office, located at City Hall, 410 Abbott Road.
• Registration can also be done by mail. Forms can be downloaded at the Department of State's Web site.
• After registering to vote, a card will be sent that details where to vote.
MSU students registered in their home city can change their registration to vote in East Lansing, but must do it at least 30 days before the election.
Chesney said it's important to remember that the address used to register to vote must be the same on a driver's license.
• People who don't want to change their driver's licenses can go home to vote, or apply for an absentee ballot if they qualify.
Qualifications for an absentee ballot, which can be mailed prior to the election, include: being older than 60, being unable to vote at a poll without assistance, being out of town on Election Day, being in jail awaiting trial or arraignment, being unable to go to the polls because of religious reasons or being unable to go to the polls because of having been appointed to work as an election inspector outside of one's precinct. Ginny Haas, director of community relations for MSU, said efforts to get people registered to vote will be increased as the general election gets closer.
It's important to remember to register, she said, because voting gives students a say in their future.
"It's part of your responsibility as a citizen, and it's a way to make your voice heard," Haas said.
For information on voting, candidates and ballot initiatives, as well as to find out where to vote, visit the Web site http://www.youvote.msu.edu.
