The Big Question Remains Unclear: Can I Vote a Primary Split Ticket ?
Split Ticket Voting OK in November, But Not in August, Seems The Case
July 5, 2010
By: Dave Rogers
Splitting Your Ticket -- Information provided by state sources is contradictory.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: We try to be helpful here at MyBayCity.com, but sometimes government makes it impossible. Your best bet regarding voting regulations: call your city, township or county clerk.)
The question of whether voters can "split" their tickets in the August primary election is confusing.
And, information provided by state sources is contradictory.
The Secretary of State "explains" the issue:
"You may 'split' your ticket -- vote for candidates of different parties -- in the Nov. 4 general election. This differs from the August primary in which you must confine your votes to a single party column. Even if you choose a 'straight' ticket, you may cross over and vote for candidates of a different party."
OK, you tell me what that means!!!
Adding to the confusion, the League of Women Voters states: "These terms apply only to the partisan part of your ballot: Voters may quickly vote a Straight Ticket for all candidates of one political party.
"Vote for all by marking your ballot for one party. OR a Split Ticket by overriding their Straight Ticket choice for any office. Each candidate under the party selected will receive a vote except where superseded by a direct vote for a candidate.
"NOTE: if you vote for candidates of more than one political party in a primary election, none of your partisan selections will be counted. OR a Mixed Ticket by selecting each office individually and not selecting a party."
XO*!&O++&00XX!!!
If you vote a "straight ticket," only the partisan offices are included.
The following offices (at the state level) are not included: Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Although Supreme Court candidates are usually nominated by political parties, their names appear on the "nonpartisan" portion of the ballot.
So, apparently the answer regarding split ticket voting in the primary is: you can vote a split ticket, but your vote will not be counted.
Where can you get additional information about voting in Michigan?
The Michigan Secretary of State website: http://www.michigan.gov/sos/