Understand the
Sections

an overview of ballot anatomy

In Michigan, the ballot has three parts—tap each color to learn more.

Official Ballot Proposals Section Nonpartisan Partisan Section Straight Party Ticket Federal Local State The Partisan Section lists candidates by their party affiliation Candidates are running for federal, state, and local offices Candidates in the Nonpartisan Section are listed without party affiliations However, in Michigan, State Supreme Court candidates are nominated by political parties. State and local Ballot Proposals allow you to vote directly on an issue Don't forget to flip it over!

First up on the ballot…

Straight Party Ticket

This one can be a little confusing.

To start, it’s totally optional. If you use it, it’s kinda like “auto-fill” for the Partisan Section of your ballot.

Example ballot highlight the straight ticket section of the partisan section.

It allows you to mark one box to vote for all the candidates of the party you choose (instead of voting for each individually).

Example ballot highlighting the straight ticket section with no additional candidate selections.

You can also override your party choice in specific races by voting for individual candidates from any party.

Example ballot highlighting the straight ticket section with no additional candidate selections.