In a primary, people decide who will be on the general election ballot. The primary for the state general election is the Tuesday after the first Monday in August. The general election is the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Most people go to their local polling place to vote. There are different ways to vote around the state.
Some polls use a voting machine.
Other polls have punch cards for voting. Or maybe you are disabled and it is hard for you to get around. You can vote by absentee ballot. This is a special ballot you use to vote before an election. You can get one at your local city or township clerk's office.