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Hauenstein Center Election Headquarters
Presidential Decision 2008



Videos:
Election '08's Impact on Michigan: Economy, Energy, Environment
 
Also see:

Economic Crisis and the '08 Election
Energy Independence and the Election
Debate: McCain or Obama?
Gleaves Whitney on Election 2008
Ten Foreign Policy Lessons for the Next President
Electoral College Debate
 

 
Ask Gleaves Columns:

"Election 2008 Special" (11/3/08)
"Nation Braces For Historic Election" (10/2/08)
"The Wright Predecessors" (6/12/08)
"Clinton [F]or Obama" (5/20/08)
"Campaign Vitriol" (3/20/08)
 

 
The Candidates:



 




 


Policy Debates:
 
Barack Obama John McCain

 
Michigan Voters' Guide:
“The power under the Constitution will always be in the people.  It is entrusted for certain defined purposes, and for a certain limited period, to representatives of their own choosing; and whenever it is executed contrary to their interest, or not agreeable to their wishes, their servants can, and undoubtedly will, be recalled.”
—George Washington, 1787

Step 1: Register to vote.
Step 2: Locate your polling location.
Step 3: Save the date.
Step 4: Know what form of ID is required.
Step 5: Know how to use the voting equipment.
Step 6: Learn about the candidates.
Step 7: Volunteer.
Step 8: Vote!

STEP 1: Register to vote.
 
Before you can cast a ballot, you must register to vote.  Fill out the Michigan Secretary of State's "Are You Registered?" form to verify whether or not you are registered.  Even if you think you are already registered, it's a good idea to make sure your records are up-to-date.

If you haven't registered, you can do so
today.  Download the Secretary of State's  Voter Registration Application, follow the directions to complete the application, and mail it to the address indicated on the form.  You may also register on GVSU's campus.  The Hauenstein Center is providing a voter registration bus that will be on campus all day on September 17.  Watch for us!

STEP 2: Locate your polling location.
 
Next, you'll need to know where to cast your ballot.  Now that you're registered, fill out the top half of the Secretary of State's "Are You Registered?" form to find your polling location.

STEP 3: Save the date.
 
Be sure to mark your calendar so you don't forget to vote on Election Day.  This year's general elections will be held on Tuesday, November 4.  Use the "Michigan Voter Information Center" to find out what time your polling place will be open.

If you can't make it to the polls on Election Day, you may be qualified to vote absentee.  Absentee voting is conducted by mail -- and sometimes in person -- before Election Day.  Typically, you will be asked to provide a reason that you can't participate on Election Day.  Fill out the "Absent Voter Ballot Application" and submit it to your clerkClick here to learn more about absentee voting.


STEP 4: Know what form of ID is required.
 
Go to your polling place prepared.  Read the Secretary of State's "Guide to Voter Identification at the Polls" to find out what you need to take with you on Election Day.

Step 5: Know how to use the voting equipment.
 
The Michigan Secretary of State offers a video demonstration on how to use the voting equipment.  Select your region, county, and community to view the appropriate demonstration.

STEP 6: Learn about the candidates.
 
Prepare for Election Day by finding out who's running for offices other than the U.S. presidency.  A non-partisan group called "Project Vote Smart" provides a great resource with information on officeholders and candidates on their web site.  Enter your zip code in the left-hand column on their page to get information on the candidates in your district and state.

STEP 7: Volunteer.
 
Consider serving as a poll worker.  Michigan needs people to work at the polls and you can actually get paid for serving.  Click here to find out how you can apply.

STEP 8: Vote!
 
Don't miss your opportunity to participate in the democratic process.  Remind your friends and family to vote too.  In fact, round up all the eligible voters you know and take them to the polls with you on Election Day.

But most importantly, VOTE!




Important Dates

August 25-28
Democratic National Convention

September 1-4
Republican National Convention

September 17
Michigan Debates '08


September 26
First Presidential Debate

October 2
Vice Presidential Debate

October 7
Second Presidential Debate

October 9
Seidman on Election '08


October 12
Dan Rather on Election '08

October 15
Third Presidential Debate


October 27
Election '08 Town Hall

November 4
Election Day

December 15
Electoral College

January 6
Electoral Votes Tallied

January 20
Inauguration Day
 


Michigan Speech Transcripts


10/2: Obama in Grand Rapids

9/28: Obama in Detroit

9/23: McCain in Freeland

8/4: Obama in Lansing

8/4: McCain in Newport

6/16: Obama in Flint

6/2: Obama in Troy

5/14: Obama in Warren

5/14: Obama in Grand Rapids

5/7: McCain in Rochester

1/12: McCain in Livonia

10/9/07: McCain in Detroit

10/9/07: Rep. Debate in Dearborn

9/28/07: McCain in Detroit

5/7/07: Obama in Detroit

5/5/05: Obama in Detroit
 

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Last updated: November 19, 2009, 9:10 AM        Page Views: 23,013,119

Copyright Notice: The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies is a non-profit organization that serves to encourage study, reflection, and discussion of the U.S. presidency. All documents, quotations, links, book reviews, movie reviews, illustrations, photographs, tables, and essays are posted for the benefit of visitors to this site. Permission to use the Web-based resources of the Hauenstein Center is hereby granted, provided that full attribution -- including URL address -- is given.