Did you know that you can vote in our August 6 primary right now?

It’s true! Absentee voting is currently underway… Don’t want to fill out an application each time an election comes around? Now you can request to be put on the Permanent Absentee Ballot List. Once you request to be on the list, the local clerks’ office will mail your absentee ballot directly to your home. It’s available to all registered Michigan voters.

This replaces the more difficult permanent application process which required voters to fill out their application every election for an absentee ballot to be used. Now, you can sign up once, be put on the permanent list and every election year your ballot will arrive. This is a safe, convenient way to vote in every election and make your voice heard.

This is the first multi-office primary election that in-person early voting is available, so get out and use it! Because Early Voting sites have different locations and hours than Election Day polling sites, we urge everyone to check out their personalized voter information at mi.gov/vote for details.

We saw good turnout for early in-person voting in this year’s presidential primary and hope to see even more use during this primary. Both changes were driven by Michigan voters who demanded more options than Election Day voting. They allow more Michiganders to have their voices heard

Because they are new, these changes can be confusing. If you run into any trouble, Common Cause is part of the largest nonpartisan Election Protection coalition and is happy to help. You can text or call 1-866-OUR-VOTE or go to protectthevote.net to see options for non-English speaking hotlines.

Through multiple reforms, we have fought hard to make voting more accessible to more Michiganders. Please use these new options to have your voice heard before or on August 6.

Shannon Abbott is the Outreach and Engagement Organizer for Common Cause Michigan. Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy.