Absentee Ballots Expected to Count for Half of All Macomb's Votes Cast in August Primary

Of the more than 6,500 absentee ballots mailed out for the Aug. 7 primary election, approximately 77 percent had been returned as of Monday morning, according to the Macomb Township clerk’s office.

Because voter turnout has been historically low for the August primary – only 15.4 percent in 2008 – Macomb Township Clerk Michael Koehs said it is likely the absentee ballots will account for 45 to 50 percent of the total votes cast in today's primary.

But as the August ballot does not allow for a split ticket, there remains the possibility that many of these absentee votes will not be counted.

Unlike the ballot used in the November general election, the August primary ballot does not allow residents to vote a split ticket.

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 voters mistakenly split their partisan portion, this will not affect their nonpartisan votes. These votes will still be valid.

As several races are expected to be close, Koehs said special staff have been hired to ensure the absentee ballots are properly counted and filed should any of the candidates request a recount. 

Did you accidentally split your absentee ballot?

If you believe you incorrectly split your ticket, all is not lost. You do have the ability to re-cast your vote today.

Whether you have already mailed in your absentee ballot or trashed it upon realizing your mistake, absentee voters are permitted to cast a new ballot in-person at the polls.

Voters who previously voted absentee should inform election workers at their precinct of their situation and, if they still have their spoiled ballot, bring it with them to the polls. Precinct personnel will void the original ballot or have the voter sign an affidavit acknowledging that they discarded their first ballot.

The voter will then be issued a new ballot.

Macomb Township's polls today. Check with Patch later tonight to learn the outcome of local, state and regional races.

For candidate interviews, millage proposal breakdowns and additional primary information, visit Patch's Election 2012 guide.