Move to streamline elections saves $161,000 tax dollars

The Oakland County Clerk's Office saved $161,000 tax dollars this year by changing the way absentee ballots are designed and printed, announced Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Ruth Johnson. "Voters will not see any difference, but this technical change will save $161,000 in ballot printing costs," said Johnson. "We are constantly evaluating the way we do business. Can we do it cheaper? Can we do it more efficiently? We have a responsibility to our citizens to provide the best possible service at the lowest possible cost." The change reduced the number of absentee ballot styles required for communities who often set up special "precincts" on Election Day to process large numbers of absentee ballots. Special ballot styles for those precincts are no longer required. "This is behind-the-scenes streamlining that in no way affects the voters or their ballots, but will make the system work more efficiently," said Johnson. "We appreciate the cooperation of local clerks who are dedicated, professional and conscientious. As always, they will ensure every vote counts on Election Day." In 2007, Johnson's office assumed the responsibility for ballot design and programming from an out-of-state vendor, saving $180,000 tax dollars a year. In anticipation of the Tuesday, Nov. 2 General Election, Johnson also wanted to remind voters that: * Oakland County voters can sign up for emails reminding them about upcoming elections at www.oakgov.com/clerkrod. The Clerk's Office will send you an email two weeks prior to an election and then again 24 hours prior to an election. * Valid photo ID is required at the polls on Election Day. Those without valid photo ID may sign an Affidavit of Identity. * On Election Day, the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. * Voters can obtain absentee ballots from their local city or township clerk. Ballots may be submitted right up through Election Day. As a registered voter, you may obtain an absentee voter ballot if you are: --Age 60 years old or older. --Unable to vote without assistance at the polls. --Expecting to be out of town on Election Day. --In jail awaiting arraignment or trial. --Unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons. --Appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence. * Voters who want to know whether they are registered or where their assigned precinct is located can visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/. * Voters may notice poll watchers and challengers present at the polls on Election Day to help ensure integrity in the election process. Johnson said earlier rumors that voters with homes in foreclosure could face challenges at the poll have recently resurfaced. "Those voters will not have their right to vote taken away on Election Day," said Johnson, who has long fought to protect families going through foreclosure. She worked with legislators and testified in Lansing on legislation to ensure families in foreclosure get the information they need to save their homes. "Everyone who can do so should be able to celebrate their freedom by voting on Election Day." * On election night, Oakland County election results will be posted--as soon as they are received from local communities--on their website at www.oakgov.com/clerkrod. The system provides maps, graphs and precinct-level data. Published: Wed, Oct 27, 2010

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