How We Nominate a President

And Why Michigan is So Important!

This year, we’re electing a President! But before we elect a President, we have to nominate a presidential candidate.

The presidential nominating process centers around two key events:

Presidential Primary Elections (Michigan’s Presidential Primary is February 27)
The Democratic National Convention, held in Chicago this year from August 19 – 22.

In fact, the Michigan Democratic Party (of which the Kent County party is a component) will be sending delegates on our behalf to the national convention in Chicago.

You can apply to become a delegate to represent us and help select the Democratic presidential nominee! Delegate applications are due by April 11, 2024 at 5 pm.

Note: Democratic nominees for other offices will be decided in the August 6 primary election or the August 24 Michigan Democratic Party Convention. We will have more details on both of these in future newsletters. Be sure you’re on t he email list here.

Michigan’s Swing Looms Large

Just how important is Michigan for Democrats nationally? Michigan is so important that the Democratic Party is allowing Michigan to hold our presidential primary earlier than most other states.

In fact, Michigan is a key component of the infamous “blue wall” that refers to the midwestern Democratic strongholds of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. The influence and importance of Michigan’s political outcomes on the rest of the country was highlighted in this exceptional Vox video just last month: “How Michigan Explains American Politics.”

Michigan’s Swing Looms Large

Just how important is Michigan for Democrats nationally? Michigan is so important that the Democratic Party is allowing Michigan to hold our presidential primary earlier than most other states.

What’s more, CNBC’s Meet the Press has decided to embed themselves here in Kent County for the 2024 election cycle — only one of seven counties across the country where they are focusing their reporting efforts. Learn more about that here.

A high Democratic turnout will show America that Michigan Democrats are fired up for this election cycle. So let’s show up and turnout the vote “blue to the core in 2024!”

Are you ready to cast your ballot?

How to Vote in the Presidential Primary

Starting this year, you have three options to vote in all statewide elections, including the presidential primary election:

Absentee ballot – Request an absentee ballot online right now or submit a paper application to your local clerk’s office or drop box.

For the presidential primary, all ballots are due at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, February 27. So request your ballot ASAP!
In-person early voting (NEW!) – For the first time this year, you can vote in person at one of your city or township’s early vote locations.

Early voting for the presidential primary takes place each day from Saturday, February 17, to Sunday, February 25. Early vote locations are open for at least eight hours each day.
At your polling place on Election Day – Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

Other reminders:

For the presidential primary election, you must request either a Democratic ballot, Republican ballot, or ballot without a presidential primary.

(Note: The last option is only available where proposals are being voted on. Here’s a list of candidates and proposals that will be on ballots in Kent County.)

You’ll choose one of these ballot types either on your absentee ballot application (if you vote absentee) or on the “Application to Vote” that you sign in-person (if you vote at a polling place or early vote center).

Enrolled to receive ballots in every election? Your clerk should have sent you a form letting you choose which ballot type you’d like for the presidential primary. Please fill that out and submit it to your clerk’s office or drop box ASAP and no later than 8 pm on 2/27!
Check the online Michigan Voter Information Center to find your polling place, early voting location, clerk’s office address, drop box locations, and so much more. It’s a fantastic resource from Jocelyn Benson, our Democratic Secretary of State.

Kent County also has a voter information page here.
Already have an absentee ballot? Vote and return it ASAP before you forget. (See due date warning below.)

Make sure you have filled out your absentee ballot correctly. Here’s how:

1. Mark your voting selections as normal on the ballot.
2. Put your finished ballot in the secrecy sleeve.
3. Place both into the return envelope.
4. Sign and date the return envelope. IMPORTANT!
5. Mail the ballot envelope, deposit it into an election drop box, or return it in person to your city or township clerk’s office by February 27.

Your ballot must be returned to your city or township clerk’s office or drop box by 8:00 pm on Election Day. But don’t wait until then – return your ballot ASAP. Late postmarks are not accepted except from military or overseas voters.

Remember, Kent County is leading the country and being watched to see how the nation may follow.

Be sure to request a Democratic ballot for the presidential primary election!

Mark Your Calendars!

2024 Election Dates

There are four elections happening in Kent County this year. Make sure you and your friends and family know about each of them!

February 27: Presidential primary election. Early voting takes place from February 17 to February 25. Absentee voting is underway now!
May 7: Local special elections. Elections will take place in the City of Kentwood, Thornapple Kellogg Schools, and potentially other communities or school districts. Absentee ballots will be available March 28. State law does not require early voting for these elections.
August 6: State primary elections. Nominees for U.S. Senate and House, State House, and county and township offices will be decided. Precinct delegates will be elected. Your ballot might also include millages and other proposals. If more than two candidates run for a judgeship or city office, those candidates may also appear on the ballot. Absentee voting begins on June 27; early voting goes from July 27 to August 4.
November 5: General Election. We’ll be voting for President, U.S. Senate, U.S. and Michigan House, county offices, education boards, judges, and more. In fact, you’ll be able to vote for over 30 people for various offices (possibly over 40, depending on where you live)! Absentee voting begins on September 26; early voting goes from October 26 to November 3.

Run for Office!

We Need YOU.

Did you know that there are over 300 offices on the ballot in Kent County this year?

While a lot of people are focused on the presidential race, voters will also choose officials such as these:

County Commissioners oversee county government by adopting a budget, approving grants, approving the acquisition and sale of County property, and supervising the County Administrator, and more.
School board members adopt the school district’s budget; hire and evaluate the superintendent; set the curriculum; and approve contracts with educational and support staff unions.
Grand Rapids Community College and the Grand Rapids Public Library have elected boards who oversee these important institutions by approving policies and budgets, among other things.
Township supervisors preside over Township Board meetings, appoint members of other township committees, and have overall responsibility over their township.
Township clerks oversee elections and record-keeping in their township.
Township treasurers are responsible for property tax collection.
Township trustees serve on the Township Board along with the Supervisor, Clerk, and Treasurer. Most Kent County townships have four trustees (some have only two).

This all begs the question:

Who’s running for all these offices?

The answer: Why not you?

That’s right – you, dear reader, might be just the person your community needs to be its next township treasurer or library board member. Or perhaps you have a friend, relative, or neighbor who’d be a good candidate.

Filing deadlines for most offices (other than school and village offices) are less than three months away, so now’s the time to think about whether you want to run. We’ll help you with the logistics of getting your name on the ballot, and we’ll connect you to resources to show you how to run a strong campaign.

Email Sara Woolsey or visit our new “run for office” page if you’d like to learn more about becoming a cadidate and getting support for your campaign!

“We cannot afford to be complacent, afraid or cynical. We have the power, if we organize and come together, to defeat anti-democratic candidates on the far right and elect a president that will continue to fight for our values of democracy.”
Gary Stark, 1st Vice Chair, Kent County Democratic Party