Here it comes: Primary 2006

On Tuesday, we will find out which brave Democrats will face Bill Caul and Alan Cropsey in November. In light of that, here are a few things to keep in mind for the upcoming primary election:

Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM this coming Tuesday.

You will be allowed to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary. You may only vote in one party’s section throughout the whole ballot; voting in the Republican US Senate primary and the Democratic State House primary, for example, will get your ballot voided. You may, however, vote in either party’s primary, regardless of your political leanings.

A section for nonpartisan races (i.e. judgeships) and city or county proposals might also appear on your ballot. You will be allowed to vote on these issues and offices regardless of which partisan section you choose to vote in.

Oh, and if you think voter turnout is low in November elections here in the US as opposed to other countries (which it obviously is), primary elections are even more pitiful. Only 1.6 million people - about 20% of the voting age population - voted in the 2002 primaries for governor. In contrast, almost 5 million people in Michigan voted for president in 2004, so your primary vote will have a relatively large impact.

Happy voting!