The statewide early voting period begins today, Saturday, Oct. 26 and will run through Sunday, Nov. 3. All early voting sites must be open for at least eight hours each day during the early voting period.

In Otsego County, registered voters may vote at Gaylord’s City Hall, 305 E. Main Street, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day during the nine days of early voting.

At all early voting sites, voters are issued a ballot and can then insert their ballot directly into the tabulator. Voters who have requested and received an absentee ballot can also bring their completed absentee ballot to an early voting location and insert that ballot into the tabulator. As of Oct. 26, 3,855 absentee ballots have already been returned by Otsego County voters, but about 30% of the total number of absentee ballots requested and issued by local clerks remain outstanding. It’s time to turn them in.

Any registered voter in Michigan has the right to vote early in person at an early voting site for all statewide and federal elections. Within 14 days of an election, persons who are not registered to vote must visit their local clerk’s office and provide proof of residency to register to vote. Many early voting sites do not offer voter registration. Check your voter registration status or look up your local clerk information at Michigan.gov/Vote. This website can also help you find hours and locations for other early voting sites across the state if you are not a resident of Otsego County.

Otsego County, it’s time to stand up for democracy. Make sure your voice is heard. It’s time to vote.