Cities gear up for primaries

Grand Rapids City Clerk Joel Hondorp and his team of election professionals have been busy. To make sure that the Tuesday, Feb. 27 election is positive and smooth for voters, Hondorp encourages participants to “know before you go” and be aware of the specifics of the Presidential Primary.

“The Presidential Primary Election is different than other elections,” Hondorp said.  “Voters must choose a Democratic or Republican ballot ­– or if they live in the Kentwood Public Schools District may select a non-partisan ballot. The ballot selection does not register the voter to any party.”

Voters have three choices for voting this year.  They may vote early in person at an early voting site, vote by mail with an absentee ballot or go to their precinct on Election Day. Voters may vote a candidate listed on the ballot or choose to vote for uncommitted or write in a candidate.

For election specifics, including information on locations of early voting sites, visit www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Residents/Elections . Voters can confirm their registration status, locate precinct location, and apply for an absentee ballot at www.michigan.gov/vote .

East Grand Rapids

The Feb. 27 presidential primary is quickly approaching. We will offer nine days of early voting 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 17-25 in Room 105 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, except for Feb. 21, when it will be available 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Your polling location may have changed. We have consolidated our voting precincts and mailed updated voter information cards. Review your new card or visit mi.gov/vote for your polling location.

More on voting and elections in East at eastgr.org/elections .