SAGINAW COUNTY -- With the primary right around the corner, candidates are campaigning hard to sway undecided voters, because this election a record number of folks are expected to cast their ballots.
NBC25 talked to the secretary of state to find out why.
"Yes, I will."
"Yes."
"We want to exercise our right to vote."
This primary election is expected to cause a record number of Michigan voters to hit the polls on August 3, the largest turnout since 1982.
"I’ve been in the election business for 30 years, and I’ve never seen these many candidates running on both sides of the aisle," said Secretary of State, Terri Lynn Land.
The secretary of state estimates close to 2 million people will show up at the polls for Tuesday’s election. That’s about 25% of Michigan’s voting population.
One reason? Michigan’s term limits law is setting the stage for a lot of turnover in the state legislature.
More than half of the lawmakers will be gone from their current seats next year.
That has prompted more than 650 candidates to get on ballots.
"I think it's great, the more people you have out there working hard, the better democracy you will have," said Land.
This year many millage issues will bring large numbers to the polls because they affect the pocketbook.
And as far as which way voters will swing, the secretary of state says, it's tough to tell.
“A lot of folks think that we are one or the other, but we like to have that balance, for example we have a democratic governor and a republican A.G. and secretary of state."
Whether voters’ political ideals run red or blue, casting a ballot this primary will set a new path for Michigan.
“Whether it’s through local taxes or businesses, and schools, all that is affected by the local government, so you want to make sure the person you vote for agrees with your vision for Michigan,” said Land.
Residents can view a copy of their sample ballot, and find their polling place by going to www.Michigan.gov/sos.
