Farmington Hills absentee voters have less than two weeks before a team of inspectors begins processing their ballots for the August 4 state primary. The first session starts Thursday, July 30, five days before Election Day.

City Clerk Carly Lindahl posted a notice Wednesday, July 15, confirming the Absent Voter Counting Board will convene for early tabulation on Thursday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Costick Activities Center's Wexford Hall, 28600 Eleven Mile Road. Approximately 52 inspectors will staff that session, according to the notice, which cites MCL 168.765a, the state law authorizing early processing of absentee ballots.

On Election Day, Tuesday, August 4, the full board of 53 inspectors begins processing at 10 a.m. at the same location, according to a separate notice Lindahl posted Tuesday, July 21.

The Farmington Hills Election Commission first voted to establish the counting board at its Friday, May 15 meeting at City Hall.

How to return your ballot

Voters who still have an absentee ballot can return it by mail in the prepaid purple envelope, at any of the city's five drop boxes, or in person at the Clerk's Office, 31555 West Eleven Mile Road.

Drop box locations:

  • Farmington Hills Police Department, 31655 W. Eleven Mile Road
  • Costick Activities Center, 28600 W. Eleven Mile Road
  • Division of Public Works, 27245 Halsted Road
  • Fire Station #1, 35725 Nine Mile Road
  • Fire Station #3, 29260 Grand River Avenue

The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is Friday, July 31, at 5 p.m. The deadline to request one in person is Monday, August 3, at 4 p.m. Voters can track their ballot at mvic.sos.state.mi.us.

Extended clerk hours

The Clerk's Office will keep extended hours: Thursday, July 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, August 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The office number is 248-871-2410.

Challenger access

Political parties and credentialed organizations may each send one challenger for every eight inspectors working the count. Challengers must report to the board chair upon arrival and take and sign an oath before observing. The notice does not specify whether a partial group of fewer than eight inspectors also permits a challenger.

Polls across all 23 Farmington Hills precincts open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4.