People who do not vote miss their chance to choose the leaders who will be making and enforcing the laws. In Michigan, only about 20 to 60 percent of the people vote . Almost everyone knows you vote for the president of the United States. When all the people you vote for are added up, it's more than 40 different offices. The list includes the Michigan governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state legislators, judges, university trustees and local school board members.
Most candidates represent a political party .
Anyone running for office must tell their local clerk or the Bureau of Elections. There are several things you may have to do. You must fill out a special form called an affidavit. You also may have to present a nominating petition and pay a filing fee before your name can be put on the ballot. If you are a candidate, you also must report how much money you spend on your campaign.