Ann Arbor holds city and school board elections concurrently with federal, state, and county elections on the Tuesday following the first Monday in August and November in even-numbered years. Polls are open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Early voting is available up to 9 days in advance during even-year elections, starting the 2nd Saturday before Election Day, at City Hall, the Malletts Creek, Traverwood, and Westgate libraries, and at UMMA and Duderstadt Center during the school year. In special elections, early voting is available for 5 consecutive days, starting the Wednesday before Election Day, at City Hall and the Malletts Creek, Traverwood, and Westgate libraries (see a2gov.org/earlyvoting). A valid photo ID or signed affidavit is required.
You can register to vote in person at the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s Office, Washtenaw County Clerk’s Office, or at a Secretary of State branch office (295 N. Maple and 4675 Washtenaw Ave.); by mail, email, or fax; or online at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/registervoter. You must be 18 years old by election day, a U.S. citizen, a resident in your city or township for at least 30 days before election day, and not incarcerated. To apply to vote absentee, including joining the new automatic ballot list, see a2gov.org/elections (click Absentee Voting). In the two weeks before the election, you must register to vote in person at your city or township clerk’s office.
Election inspectors are paid $18+/hour. To learn more and apply, go to a2gov.org and search for Election Inspectors.
To select candidates, each major party has a primary on the day after the first Monday in August. For more information, contact the county headquarters of the Democratic Party (734–879–0556, washtenawdems.org) or the Republican Party (734–996–9467, washtenawrepublicans.org).
See Advocacy & Politics in Groups & Clubs for political parties and other groups active in local government.