While you may not identify with a specific political party, for the three minutes you’ll spend at the polls this August, you’ll have no choice but to vote Republican or Democrat. 

The Aug. 7 primary ballot does not allow residents to vote a split ticket, as many are used to doing in November.

Within the partisan section of the ballot, which includes congressional, legislative, county and township offices, voters may only vote for candidates in one party. Votes across party lines will void this section of the ballot.

For example, a vote for incumbent Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, who is a Democrat, and a vote for just one of Macomb Township’s Republican candidates will void the entire partisan portion of the ballot.

However, this rule does not apply to the nonpartisan section of the ballot or the county millage proposals. Should you mistakenly split your partisan portion, this will not affect your nonpartisan votes. These votes will still be valid.

Will the August primary decide the election in Macomb?

Because there are no Democrats running for Macomb Township’s offices, the election could very well be decided in August.

Typically, if a candidate wins their primary, that means they have been nominated to represent their party in the general election. But if there is no opponent in the general election, their race in uncontested and they win by default.

Still, time remains for candidates to file as independents in the general election. While the filing deadline has passed for candidates affiliated with the Republican and Democratic parties, individuals without party affiliation have until 4 p.m. July 19 to turn in their petitions for inclusion on the November ballot.

You can view your sample ballot and request an absentee ballot on the Macomb County Clerk's website.

Planning to vote absentee in August? Here's what you need to know.

Check out the Patch Election 2012 guide for more information on Macomb Township's races.