Learn. Register. Vote! Primary Election is Aug. 6

Are you planning to cast your ballot in the State Primary Election, taking place Tuesday, Aug. 6? If you haven?t already voted, through absentee or early voting, here?s what you need to know to be ready:

If you still need to register to vote, you may do so, in person only and with proof of residency, at the Ann Arbor City Clerk?s Office, second floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. The city clerk?s office is open 8 a.m.?5 p.m. daily, including special hours Saturday, Aug. 3, and Sunday, Aug. 4.

To learn about what you?ll be voting on, you can view your Primary Election ballot in advance on the Michigan Voter Information Center. The League of Women Voters of Washtenaw County forums are also available to watch on CTN.?

For voters planning to go to their designated polling place to vote on Election Day Tuesday, Aug. 6, polls will be open 7 a.m.?8 p.m. Voters must show their valid photo ID to vote; those without an acceptable photo ID will be required to sign an affidavit before voting. Registered voters in line by 8 p.m. will be eligible to vote. Voters can check the number of people waiting in line at their city polling place and view estimated wait times before heading out using the Ann Arbor Election Day Line Tracker.?

Absentee voters who already have a ballot must fill it out, sign and turn it in on or before Election Day at 8 p.m. using one of the Ann Arbor City Clerk?s Office drop boxes or by bringing it to tabulate at an early voting site (PDF) before closing time on Aug. 4. If registered voters still need to apply for an absentee ballot, there?s still time. Voters can request a Primary Election absentee ballot in person at the city clerk?s office anytime up to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5.

Registered voters wanting to vote in person in advance of Election Day can show up with their valid photo ID to any of four early voting sites (PDF). Early voters will be issued a ballot and will insert their voted ballot directly into a tabulator ? on the spot. Early voting opened July 27 and will close Sunday, Aug. 4. Early voting sites and hours, through Sunday, Aug. 4, are:

1. Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St., 8 a.m.?5 p.m.
2. Malletts Creek Library Branch, 3090 E. Eisenhower Parkway 48108, 11 a.m.?7 p.m.
3. Traverwood Library Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive 48105, 11 a.m.?7 p.m.
4. Westgate Library Branch, 2503 Jackson Ave. 48103, 11 a.m.?7 p.m.

For your complete guide to voting information and resources, visit the Ann Arbor elections website, www.a2gov.org/elections, or reach out to the city clerk?s office with any questions at 734.794.6140 or [email protected].

Home Electrification Expo

You?re invited to the third annual Home Electrification Expo Friday, Aug. 2, 5?8 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St. Expo attendees can learn about the newest technology available to help create healthy, clean, efficient homes that reduce reliance on burning fossil fuels. Experts (including the A2ZERO Home Energy Advisors) will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the latest tech, and innovative technology for home electrification will be on display, including live demonstrations of induction cooktops, heat-pumps for heating/cooling homes and water, and electric yard equipment, among many other demonstrations. This event can help residents learn simple and even cost-effective ways to get involved in the Ann Arbor A2ZERO carbon neutrality plan?s Strategy 2 ? Switching our Appliances and Vehicles from Gasoline, Diesel, Propane, Coal and Natural Gas to Electric.?

The expo will also feature food trucks, ice cream, live music and multiple prize drawings. Plus, new this year, residents can drop off computers, monitors and other electronic devices under 50 pounds for reuse, refurbishment and/or recycling.

Register to get event updates! The event is free and open to the public, with benefits for homeowners, renters and building professionals alike. For more information on home electrification, visit the A2ZERO electrification website. And to learn more about the city?s sustainability work and how to get involved, go to www.a2zero.org.

What?s an SEU?

The Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations is hosting special presentations to share details of Ann Arbor?s proposed sustainable energy utility (SEU). Register now for the next event, taking place online Wednesday, Aug. 21, 6?7 p.m.?

The optional, supplemental, community-owned energy utility would provide 100% renewable energy from local solar and battery storage systems and networked geothermal at participating homes and businesses in the city. The presentation will also explain benefits the SEU could provide, answer attendee questions and detail what voters will be asked to consider on the Nov. 5, 2024, General Election ballot. For more information, visit the Ann Arbor SEU webpage.?

Shout out your favorite green space, happy place!

A2 residents, here's a fun way to share your favorite Ann Arbor park(s) with your fellow neighbors. Pick up your free "Green Spaces, Happy Places" yard sign ? complete with an area to write in the one or two city park(s) and/or natural area(s) that bring you the most joy ? at the following locations (while supplies last) ?

• Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave.
• Buhr Park Pool, 2751 Packard Road
• Fuller Park Pool, 1519 Fuller Road
• Huron Hills Golf Course, 3465 E. Huron River Drive
• Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St.
• Veterans Memorial Park Pool, 2150 Jackson Ave.

Once your yard sign is filled out and *in place, be sure to share a picture on the city Facebook, X and Instagram pages, using #GreenSpacesHappyPlaces #AnnArborParks (no room in your yard to display a sign ? maybe, if allowed where you live, a window would work just as well!). *Please remember to not place yard signs in city rights-of-way, which would violate ordinance and pose a hazard.

Parks and green spaces are proven to create a sense of community and provide recreation, fun, fresh air and natural beauty. National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) notes access to indoor and/or outdoor recreation facilities ? such as game courts and playgrounds, outdoor programs and activities like yoga, swimming, boating and golf ? and frequency of park visitation are holistically beneficial (aka: just plain good for you!). Parks usage correlates with greater physical activity and triggers the release of the ?feel-good? hormones, endorphins, leading to improved mood and a sense of well-being. NRPA also finds parks serve as community hubs that enable positive social connections among neighbors. A recent publication by Mayo Clinic further explains the research on mental health benefits of nature and physical activity for managing stress, coping with chronic mental health conditions, improving sleep quality and creativity and even for managing negative emotions.?

What we?re hearing: visiting and being active in parks and at recreation facilities can make you happy! There are more than 160 City of Ann Arbor parks and natural areas ? and we can't wait to find out your favorites. (Not quite sure? Consider this one more reason to get out and explore!) Learn more about Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation at www.a2gov.org/parks.

Ann Arbor voters will find the 2025?2044 Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage renewal proposal on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot. If passed, the renewed millage would continue funding park system enhancements, repairs and restoration for the next 20 years. The millage renewal proposal remains for 1.10 mills and does not pose an increase; the rate would remain the same as the millage that is expiring this year. Visit parks online for answers to frequently asked questions, to learn about projects and activities funded through the current and past millages and much more. Additional questions ? or interest in scheduling a parks and recreation informational presentation for your neighborhood or community organization this summer or fall ? can be directed to [email protected].

Roll out a Midwest welcome

It?s true, our community has University of Michigan home football game days down to a science. We can navigate the extra traffic, congestion and crowds with patience and precision. This football season, however, it will be a whole new ballgame when U of M hosts the University of Texas (Sept. 7) and the University of Southern California (Sept. 21) teams for the first time. These schools aren?t just known for their school spirit, but also for their huge fan bases who travel to away games.

The city is asking community members to please be prepared for additional traffic and crowds, not only on game day, but all weekend long. These visiting fans will readily see for themselves why Ann Arbor is a great destination for all. Let?s also show them a warm Midwest welcome. Go Blue!

The Ann Arbor Police Department is also sharing a brief video for visiting and home-team fans, alike, to review some game-day basics. Visit the AAPD game day information webpage for more information and a variety of resources.

A2 dazzles during GMA visit

Donned in maize and blue with signs showing love for Ann Arbor, hundreds of people showed up to welcome Good Morning America to the city July 3. ABC News Correspondent Alex Presha broadcasted live from the intersection of Ashley and Liberty streets, complete with the Community High School Jazz Band performing and highlights of local businesses including Blank Slate Creamery, Washtenaw Dairy and Downtown Home and Garden. Ann Arbor CTN was there, too, capturing the excitement. Thanks to all businesses, community partners and community members who participated and gathered to celebrate the city bicentennial and to represent Ann Arbor ? with enthusiasm ? in the national spotlight!

New Ann Arbor sister city

Tree Town gained a new branch to its family tree when representatives from the City of Ann Abor and Lubny, Poltava Oblast, Ukraine, met virtually July 9 to sign a cooperation agreement supported by USAID HOVERLA project. This cooperation welcomed Lubny, Ukraine, as the city?s newest sister city and marked a significant milestone symbolizing unity and collaboration across continents. Focus areas will include sharing knowledge and best practices, municipal entrepreneurship and cultural exchanges. Officials note that residents of both cities can look forward to enriched cultural experiences, shared expertise and strengthened economic ties that will benefit their communities for years to come.

Bicentennial Park renaming ceremony

Generous supporters, partners, officials and community members gathered July 11 to recognize special gifts and celebrate the official renaming of Southeast Area Park to Bicentennial Park. CTN was there, too, and captured some highlights. Guests enjoyed yard games, refreshments and learned about exciting improvements planned for the park. The brief program also recognized contributions for this effort from several organizations, including major gifts from University of Michigan. Learn more about the Bicentennial Park project!

CTN highlights

Check out CTN?s wide range of programs available to watch online now!

A2 Bicentennial ? Good Morning America (GMA) visits Ann Arbor?

Ann Arbor Inclusive ? The Kirk Gibson Foundation?

CTN at the Art Fair Episode # 1?

CTN at the Art Fair Episode # 2?

CTN at the Art Fair Episode # 3?

CTN at the Art Fair Episode # 4?

CTN at the Art Fair Episode # 5?

CTN at the Art Fair Episode # 6?

CTN at the Art Fair Episode # 7?

FYI? Jenn Queen, executive director of the Ann Arbor Art Center, gives a glimpse into this non-profit arts organization; GMA visits Ann Arbor; and the Ann Arbor Skatepark?s 10-year anniversary!?

FYI? Police Chief Andre Anderson discusses the shared vision of the Ann Arbor Police Department and how the community?s input helped mold the future of the AAPD.?

FYI? In this special edition of FYI, get in-depth details on the 2024 Ann Arbor Art Fair straight from the executive directors of each fair.?

FYI? Michal Lorenc, co-founder of AFC Ann Arbor, shares how the local soccer organization is giving back during the city?s bicentennial; A2ZERO Week; and fireworks safety and laws.?

Green Light Episode # 5 ? Jordan Larson and Krystal Steward,?

League of Women Voters 2024 ? Scio Township Clerk Democratic Primary Candidates Forum?

League of Women Voters 2024 ? Pittsfield Township Supervisor Primary Candidates Forum?

League of Women Voters 2024 ? Michigan 48th House District Republic Primary Candidates Forum?

League of Women Voters 2024 ? Michigan 47th House District Republic Primary Candidates Forum?

League of Women Voters 2024 ? Washtenaw County Clerk Democratic Primary Candidates Forum?

Park Peek ? Allmendinger Park?

Senior Moments ? Exercise instructor Mark A. Harris, who has been teaching exercise classes for seniors in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area for many years, demonstrates some light exercise movements for seniors to do while sitting on a chair.?

Ward Talk with Jenn Cornell, Ann Arbor City Councilmember from the Fifth Ward

Ward Talk with Dharma Akmon, Ann Arbor City Councilmember from the Fourth Ward,?