News

Confused About Michigan’s Primary and Convention? You’re Not Alone.

The political spotlight will be on Michigan on Tuesday when voters there cast primary ballots, and then again four days later when Republicans host an additional contest.

The party adopted a novel and somewhat confusing hybrid nominating system this year, which will culminate on March 2 with a statewide nominating convention.

Or two.

A mutiny in the state Republican Party has spawned rival factions, each pledging to hold its own convention, though the national party recognizes only one.

Here’s what to know:

When are the Michigan primary and convention, and how do I vote?

Michigan will hold its primary on Feb. 27, with voting for Republicans and Democrats. Additionally, the state’s Republican Party will host a nominating convention on March 2.

The polls on Tuesday will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time (most of the state is in the Eastern time zone). Early, in-person voting began on Feb. 17. Voters can find their polling places here, and they can register to vote through 8 p.m. on the day of an election by visiting their city or township clerk.

All voters can participate in the primary, regardless of whether they are Democrats, Republicans or independents. But voters can’t pick candidates from more than one party on the same ballot, known as crossover voting.

Related Articles

Back to top button