What is a "Closed Primary?"

The 2020 Presidential Primary is designated a "closed primary," just as it was in 2012 and 2016.  Michigan Election Law, requires voters wishing to participate in the March 10 Election to choose a Democratic, Republican, or No-Presidential Primary (local issues only) ballot when voting absentee or at the polls on Election Day.  While a voter must select a specific ballot for a closed primary, there is no political party registration in Michigan's voter registration system.  However, the voter's ballot selection will be public information for the 22 months following the election.  You will not be required to select a specific party ballot type at other types of elections. 

The Voter Identification Requirement is in effect for those casting a ballot in person on Election Day and for those who pick up their absentee voter ballot in person.  Please read the Notice to Voters from the State Bureau of Elections for more information, including acceptable forms of identification. An affidavit can be completed for voters not in possession of picture identification.

To register to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age by Election Day, not serving a sentence in jail or prison, and a resident of Michigan and the city or township where you are registering to vote for at least 30 days before Election Day.  For more information, please visit the Michigan Secretary of State website, or contact the Township Clerk's Office.

New as of November 2018...register to vote through Election Day!

Registering to vote 15 or more days before an election?  Register at these locations:

• any Secretary of State branch office
• Watertown Township Clerk's Office
• a designated state agency
• by mail (must be postmarked or delivered no later than 15 days before Election Day)

Registering to vote 14 or fewer days before an election, including Election Day?  You must register in person at the Watertown Township Clerk's Office (residency verification required).  Voters who register at the Township Clerk's Office on Election Day can receive a ballot and vote that day.  

Due to the passage of the statewide ballot proposal 18-3 in November 2018, all eligible and registered voters in Michigan may now request an absent voter ballot without declaring a reason.  To vote by absent voter ballot, law requires the voter must first return a completed absent voter ballot application to the township.  Once a completed application is returned, a ballot is mailed to the voter at their registered home address.  If you would like to receive your ballot at another address, you must include that information on the application.  Absentee ballots will not be forwarded by the USPS. 

Note:  Voters returning their application after 5pm the Friday before an election should do so in person at the Township Clerk's Office; a ballot will be issued to you in person up until 4pm the Monday before the election.

All absent voter ballots are processed on Election Day by the election inspectors and tabulated in the same machines used for ballots of in-person voters.  Absent voter ballots must be signed and received by 8pm on Election Day.

Automatic Application List

The township maintains an Automatic Application List (previously known as a permanent absent voter list) of individuals who are automatically mailed an application prior to each election.  If you would like to be added to the list, please contact the Township Clerk's Office or return the completed request form to us.          

Military and Overseas Voters

Members of the military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote or request an absentee voter ballot by completing the Federal Post Card Application.  Use of this form assists us in making sure these voters receive absentee voting materials in a timely manner.  The application is valid for one calendar year. .

Watertown Township depends on trained election inspectors to successfully conduct every election. These are paid positions. If you are interested in becoming an election inspector, please complete the Election Inspector Application.  If you have questions about becoming an election worker, please contact the Township Clerk’s office.

Federal Voting Assistance Program  
Voting assistance for uniformed service members, their families, and citizens living outside the U.S

Michigan Voter Information Center    

Michigan Secretary of State   

Frequently Asked Questions 

Deb Adams
Township Clerk
Email Deb

Christy Sochay
Deputy Clerk
Email Christy

12803 S. Wacousta Road
Grand Ledge, MI 48837
Phone: (517) 626-6593 x201
Fax: (517) 626-6405