Do I have to fill out the entire ballot? What you should know about Michigan

This story is part of a Lansing State Journal question-and-answer series about the upcoming election. Do you have a question about voting, ballots or results? Ask about it in the form at the end of this story. We give you the answer.

Q: Do I have to fill out the entire ballot?

Voters have about two dozen races available on their ballots, ranging from presidential to county premium increases, but they don't have to vote in every race for the ballot to pass.

Eligible voters have the right to vote – or not to vote – in any race on their ballot. And while whether someone voted is public information, who they voted for or in how many elections they voted in is not public information.

Voters who wish to cast their ballot on each ballot and vote by mail should carefully examine their ballot before placing it in a mailbox or returning it to their local clerk.

For voters who cast their ballots in person, either at an early voting center or on Election Day, there are additional measures to prevent someone from accidentally voting in too few or too many elections.

The tabulation machines are programmed to notify voters if their ballot contains an undervote (such as omitting some races) or an overvote (such as voting for more than the eligible candidates in a race). Voters can then indicate whether they want to fix the problem or cast their vote as is.

What do I need to bring with me to vote?

Voters voting in person will be asked to present identification when checking in at the early voting center or polling place.

Acceptable IDs include:

Michigan driver's license or state ID card that may have expired
US passport
Military photo ID
Photo ID from an educational institution
Tribal photo ID
Driver's license or state ID card issued by another state
Photo ID issued by the federal, state or local government

If voters don't have ID, they can still vote, but a poll worker will ask them to sign a form before casting their vote.

Q: Do I have to fill out the entire ballot?

What do I need to bring with me to vote?

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