2016 Election

County Clerk: Tips for Voters to Avoid Election Day Lines

With the November 8 Presidential Election one week away and voter turnout expected to be high, the Ottawa County Clerk’s Office is reminding voters of some tips to help Election Day go smoothly.

Avoid Peak Times: Lines are generally shorter during the 9am to 11am or 1pm to 4pm hours. If possible, you may want to vote during those times.
Be Informed: There are a significant number of candidates and races on the ballot. You can view your sample ballot and be prepared ahead of time by visiting https://vote.michigan.gov/mvic/
• Be Prepared: Make sure to check your polling location address ahead of time by visiting https://vote.michigan.gov/mvic/.
• Photo ID: Election workers will ask you to show a photo ID. If you have your photo ID with you, having it out and ready will help the process move more quickly on Election Day. Voters without an ID in their possession may still be issued a ballot. These voters must sign an affidavit stating that they do not have an ID.
• Campaigning: Michigan election law prohibits voters or anyone else in the precinct from displaying any campaign material, which includes the wearing of any clothing with candidate names, or political party logos. Please refrain from wearing such clothing in the precinct. Any campaign activity must occur at least 100 feet from any entrance to the polling place.
• There Is Still Time to Vote Absentee: Absentee ballots are available at your local city or township clerk’s office. Ballots can be obtained until Saturday, November 5. On Monday, November 7, you can vote in person at your local clerk’s office until 4pm. Michigan law allows you to vote absentee if:
• You are 60 years of age or older
• You expect to be absent from the community in which you are registered on Election Day
• You are physically unable to attend the polls without the assistance of another
• You cannot attend the polls because of the tenets of your religion
• You have been appointed an election precinct inspector in a precinct other than the one where you reside
• You cannot attend the polls because you are confined to jail awaiting arraignment or trial

If you have any questions about the voting process, please visit our website at www.miottawa.org/elections, or contact our office at 616-994-4531.

Dead Candidate’s Name to Remain on Fruitport Township Ballot

Sherry Yonkers, one of the leading candidates for Fruitport Township trustee, is still listed on the ballot even though she has recently passed away. The ballot is already prepared and it is too late to remove her name.

Yonkers received the second highest number of votes in the August primary election. There are five additional candidates running for trustee in the November election, and the top four of these six will become the elected trustees. Apparently, if voters don’t know of her death, and Yonkers receives enough votes to be counted in the top four, the votes for her will not count and the candidate with the next highest number of votes would move up.

Evidently, absentee voters who already filed and voted for Yonkers may go to the Fruitport Township Hall to inquire about a new ballot if they want to change their vote, and write-in candidates may go there to register through October 28th.

For more information:
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/politics/dead-trustte-candidate-in-fruitport-township-on-the-ballot/339501583

Fruitport’s Trump Flash Mob

August 30, 2016 – A flash mob for Donald Trump formed at the corner of Harvey St. and Sternberg in Fruitport Township.