Farmington Hills will publicly test its voting equipment for all 23 precincts on Monday, Oct. 12. The open meeting gives residents a chance to watch officials verify that machines are programmed correctly before the Nov. 3 general election.

The Farmington Hills Election Commission meets at 1 p.m. that day in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road, according to a public notice posted by the city.

The commission has three agenda items: conducting the Public Accuracy Test on electronic equipment used in all 23 precincts, appointing election inspectors for early absentee ballot processing on Oct. 29, and appointing inspectors for Election Day on Nov. 3.

The accuracy test is required under Michigan election law. Clerks run test ballots through each machine to confirm the programming counts votes correctly. After the test, those materials are stored separately from actual election ballots, according to the Michigan Secretary of State's office. State administrative rules require the test at least five days before early voting begins.

City Clerk Carly Lindahl signed both the meeting notice and a separate public accuracy test notice. Her office can be reached at (248) 871-2410. In a July interview with C&G News ahead of the Aug. 4 primary, Lindahl noted that "those without photo ID will still be allowed to vote, but must complete an affidavit stating they are not in possession of picture ID."

Farmington Hills has more than 65,000 registered voters and relies on more than 250 election workers each election, according to the clerk's office. The Election Commission held a similar meeting on July 13 ahead of the Aug. 4 primary, following the same three-item agenda.

Key dates for the Nov. 3 election

  • Oct. 19: Last day to register online or by mail
  • Oct. 20 through Nov. 3: In-person registration available at the Clerk's Office with proof of residency
  • Oct. 24 through Nov. 1: Early voting at Costick Activities Center, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily (except Oct. 29, noon to 8 p.m.)
  • Oct. 30, 5 p.m.: Deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail
  • Nov. 2, 4 p.m.: Deadline to request an absentee ballot in person
  • Nov. 3: Election Day, polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Residents who need special assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Clerk's Office at least two business days before the Oct. 12 meeting.