Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters remind voters that a national video project urging them to record their Election Day experiences cannot be conducted in Michigan of polling places. The Video Your Vote project is one example of election-related information circulating on the Internet that unintentionally may confuse or mislead Michigan voters. Land is addressing some of the most common questions stemming from those reports by posting the correct information at www.Michigan.gov/sos.
"The enthusiasm about this year's election is admirable," Land said. "It also is generating well-meaning attempts by organizations to address voters' questions or engage them in the elections process. However, in some cases this information is misleading, incorrect or does not apply to Michigan. Since it's often targeted to first-time voters, it is especially important that we set the record straight and prevent any misunderstandings at the polls. We want everyone to have a satisfying voting experience."
The Video Your Vote project encourages voters to use camera phones or other devices to document their observations at the polls as well as the actual casting of a ballot. The project is sponsored by YouTube, the video-sharing site of Google Inc., and Public Broadcasting System (PBS).
Land pointed out that the use of video cameras, still cameras and other recording devices are prohibited in the polls when they are open for voting. This includes still cameras and other recording features built into many cell phones. The ban applies to all voters, challengers, poll watchers and election workers. Exceptions are made for credentialed members of the news media though certain restrictions remain.
The ban protects voters who may feel intimidated in the polling place by the presence of a camera. Additionally, under Michigan election law, a ballot is rejected if deliberately exposed. A voter who deliberately exposes their ballot will not be allowed to vote in that election. The ban also serves as a deterrent to those who may try to sell their vote which is also prohibited by law.
YouTube and PBS do caution that some states such as Michigan prohibit the use of recording devices in the polls. However, Land and many of her counterparts nationwide are concerned that not everyone will be aware of the warning.
Karole White, president and chief executive officer of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, commended the project for encouraging young voters but emphasized that the state's election laws must be upheld.
"Michigan broadcasters have a distinguished history of educating voters and encouraging Election Day participation," White said. "We look forward to providing important information and allowing voters to share their experiences. We do, however, urge anyone interested in the Video Your Vote project to help ensure the integrity of Michigan's elections. By keeping recording devices out of the polling place, you can still tell your story while respecting the law and the rights of other voters."
Land addressed other topics generating voters' questions, including:
- Voting rights of residents in jail or prison: Michigan residents confined in jail or prison who are awaiting arraignment or trial are eligible to vote. However, residents who are serving a sentence in jail or prison after conviction cannot vote during the period of confinement. When residents are released from jail or prison after serving a sentence, they are free to participate in elections without restriction.
- Early voting: While some states allow all voters to cast ballots prior to Election Day, Michigan does not have early voting. Of course, qualified Michigan voters can cast absentee ballots prior to Election Day.
- Displaying election-related materials at the polls: Michigan has prohibited this practice for decades. It includes clothing and buttons as well as material such as pamphlets, fliers and stickers. You cannot display such items in the polling place or within 100 feet of an entrance to a polling place. If a voter goes to the polls with a T-shirt or button bearing campaign-related images or slogans, he or she will be asked to cover or remove it.
- Voting a straight party ticket: At the top of each political party's column on the ballot, there is an opportunity to vote "straight" party, which selects all candidates on that party's ticket with a single vote. If you vote straight party, there is no need to vote again for any individual candidate in the party column. However, if you do vote straight party and then vote for an individual candidate in that same party, it will not invalidate your vote for that candidate.
- Split-ticket voting: 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. Selections are not invalidated unless you cast votes for more candidates than are allowed in a certain race. Even if you vote a "straight" ticket, you may cross over and vote for candidates of a different party.
- Voting the entire ballot: You are not required to vote the entire ballot. You may pick and choose the races or ballot questions for which you want to vote. Skipping sections of the ballot does not invalidate your ballot.
- Challenges based on home foreclosures: The compilation of home foreclosure information alone does not provide sufficient reason to challenge a person's voting status. In fact, the Michigan Republican and Democratic parties are in agreement that so-called foreclosure lists do not provide a reasonable basis to challenge voters.
