Your vote, your way

Haven’t voted yet? General Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5! Check out these (other) important dates to note — and some useful information — to make sure you’re ready to cast your vote.

Voter registration

The last day to register or update your registered address via the mail or online has passed, but you can still register/update in person at the city clerk’s office, until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5. Also, new this year, the City of Ann Arbor will operate the Election Day Vote Center allowing residents to register to vote on Election Day and to fill out and insert their voted ballot directly into a tabulator during the visit. The Election Day Vote Center will be open at Larcom City Hall, University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) and Duderstadt Center 7 a.m.–8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5, and is only available to residents who are registering and voting at the same time. Bring your valid photo ID!

Extended hours for city clerk’s office

The city clerk's office at Larcom City Hall is open additional hours for election-related services. The office is on the second floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. Metered on-street and lot parking are located on Ann Street, east of Fifth Avenue.

• Saturday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 3, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7 a.m.–8 p.m.

Please note, the city clerk’s office will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 6.

More ways to vote

Absentee ballot —

• Through Monday, Nov. 4, until 4 p.m.: Last day to submit an application to receive an absentee ballot in person at the city clerk’s office or satellite office. Bring your valid photo ID!
• Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5: Your absentee ballot must be placed in the signed ballot envelope and returned to the city clerk’s office or to an official City of Ann Arbor ballot drop box before 8 p.m. on Election Day. There are eight ballot drop boxes located throughout the city. 

Early voting —

Through Sunday, Nov. 3, you can cast your ballot ahead of Election Day at one of six designated early voting sites. All early voting sites, except the Larcom City Hall site, are open now through Sunday, Nov. 3, for early voting 11 a.m.–7 p.m. The Larcom City Hall site is open for early voting 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 

At the polls on Election Day —

Polling locations are open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 5. 

Learn more

For more information about the 2024 General Election and voting in Ann Arbor, visit www.a2gov.org/elections and contact the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s Office with any questions at [email protected] or 734.794.6140. You can view your sample ballot online, as well as check your voter registration status and absentee ballot status by visiting the Michigan Voter Information Center. 

A focus on election protections

The Michigan attorney general’s and secretary of state’s offices visited Ann Arbor in September to present the Defending Democracy Town Hall event. Facilitated by Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor, the town hall explained election protections and the measures in place to ensure safe and secure elections throughout Michigan. Ann Arbor Community Television Network (CTN) features this presentation for viewing online on demand.

Veterans Day schedule + appreciation

City of Ann Arbor municipal offices, including the customer service center at Larcom City Hall and the 15th Judicial District Court at the Ann Arbor Justice Center, will be closed Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, for Veterans Day. Safety services and utility operations will maintain 24-hour schedules. Curbside trash, recycling and compost service will also continue without interruption.

There’s still lots to do, especially for vets, on Veterans Day. To show appreciation to all who served and are serving, Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation again this year will offer military Veterans and active service members free activities Monday, Nov. 11, at several locations.

Veterans Memorial Park Indoor Ice Arena (2150 Jackson Ave. | www.a2gov.org/vets) — Open skating and free skate rental: 1–2:30 p.m.

Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena (2751 Packard Road | www.a2gov.org/buhr) — Open skating and free skate rental: 3:30–5 p.m. (weather dependent)

Huron Hills Golf Course (3465 E. Huron River Drive) — Enjoy a free round of golf with a riding cart all day. Book in advance at 734.794.6246 or online. Please be sure to indicate your veteran status when you check in at the clubhouse.

Mack Indoor Pool (715 Brooks St. | www.a2gov.org/mack) — Free open swim: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

As a gesture of thanks and gratitude, the city welcomes all who served and are serving to take part in these complimentary offerings … and perhaps to even discover a new “green space and happy place” with Ann Arbor Parks.

Coming soon: New temporary dog park!

Every dog has its day, and soon, every dog in Ann Arbor will have a convenient spot to play as well. City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation will be piloting a new temporary dog park at Veterans Memorial Park, to open later in November! The city currently has dog parks at Broadway, Olson and Swift Run parks.

As updates on this pilot project become available — including the opening date and how to purchase a dog park permit — you can find out by following along on NextDoor (for city residents) and parks Facebook, Instagram and X.

Gallup Park bridge reopens with ceremony + celebration

The new Gallup Park Bridge Ribbon Cutting Ceremony took place Oct. 24 to celebrate the completion of construction. The special event also recognized the funding and support — and input from community members — which brought the project to fruition. The project received funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, as well as from Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage dollars.

The new Gallup Park Pedestrian and Vehicle Bridge has double the space for pedestrians and cyclists, includes overlook spaces at the center of the bridge and maintains the character and rustic charm of the old structure. Learn more about this project on the Ann Arbor Park Planning website.

Sustainability corner

Directly from the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI), catch up on the latest A2ZERO information and more. For further details, visit OSI online.

Climate Friendly Homes Workshop | Friday, Nov. 8, 2:30–3:30 p.m. | Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Attend this free, informative introduction to the Home Energy Advisor (HEA) program, tailored to provide Ann Arbor residents with actionable plans toward more affordable, comfortable and decarbonized homes. All ages are welcome. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required.

A2ZERO rebates are still available! In total, OSI anticipates distributing $1.9 million in rebates, providing an estimated 1,300 sustainability-related rebates to residents across the city. At least 50% of the rebates will be for income-qualified households. More details, including the new dashboard, are available at osi.a2gov.org/rebates.

The Home Energy Advisor is no longer on a waitlist! The waitlist has been exhausted and the portal is now open to sign up to receive your free, custom, home decarbonization plan. Learn more and sign up at a2zerohea.org. 

Check out Green Light, a new series from CTN and OSI that digs into sustainability in Ann Arbor. Hear (and learn!) from the residents who are envisioning, creating and establishing a sustainable and equitable future for our community.

This is just some of the activity and only a portion of the opportunities OSI is leading and making available! To keep up with the very latest from OSI, visit online and follow along on Facebook and Instagram!  

200 Years of A2Votes

The Ann Arbor City Clerk’s Office is highlighting the history and progress related to voting and voter rights in Ann Arbor throughout the last 200 years. In celebration of the Ann Arbor Bicentennial, and in partnership with the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL), a visual display, release #145 from AADL's Ann Arbor 200 project, highlights the history of voter registration, student voting, polling places, voting technology and the ever-increasing ways Ann Arbor residents can access the ballot box.

Ann Arbor Bicentennial closing celebration is Dec. 14

In January 2024, the Ann Arbor community gathered at the State Theater to kick off the city's 200th anniversary celebration. Since then, thousands of Ann Arborites have celebrated the bicentennial and many initiatives have taken place in honor of the milestone, such as a celebratory tree planting, a park renaming, a new city flag design and murals at city parks. The community is again invited to come together for the Ann Arbor Bicentennial Closing Celebration Saturday, Dec. 14, 6–8 p.m. at Ann Arbor Skyline High School. The event will include entertainment, refreshments and reflection on the activities and initiatives that took place throughout 2024. Tickets are on sale now! 

Ann Arbor Bicentennial Closing Ceremony

Event Date: Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024

Time: Reception and art exhibit 6–8 p.m. Formal program begins at 8 p.m.

Location: Ann Arbor Skyline High School (2552 N. Maple Road)

Program: The reception will begin at 6 p.m. with refreshments, an art exhibit, commemorative picture, Aerie oral history program, interactive Tree of Hopes and Dreams and will feature work from professional artists and area high school students under the theme, “The next 100 years.” The formal program will begin in the auditorium at 8 p.m. and will include musical entertainment by Skyline High School musicians, stage production of “Ann Arbor Then, Now, Next,” bicentennial poem by Aaron Dworkin and a showing of Community Television Network’s Happy Birthday, Ann Arbor, video.

Event Sponsors: The City of Ann Arbor, DTE, Bank of Ann Arbor and Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union

Tickets: Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at https://secure.rec1.com/MI/city-of-ann-arbor/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMyODk5NDQ=. Ticket proceeds will support Ann Arbor's Legacy Projects.

A comprehensive process for the comprehensive plan

The Ann Arbor Comprehensive Land Use Plan update is underway! For the last year, the city has been busy engaging the public (PDF) — with public meetings, focus groups, interviews, popups and more! Now, the plan will soon go into drafting phase. The draft will provide guidance for decision makers on future land uses across the city, desired policy changes and priorities for public spending and capital projects based on public engagement, data analysis and planning best practices. The latest public workshop with the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority (DDA) took place in October at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch for community members to review a draft of the vision, goals and future land-use categories and chat/ask questions with project team members. Close to 200 attendees participated!

Follow along with the planning process, including digital engagement exercises and recordings of Planning Commission Subcommittee and City Council work sessions, and learn about future opportunities to engage by visiting the project online.

Stay alert! Fall roadway reminders

On Sunday, Nov. 3, it’s time to adjust clocks to “fall back” an hour for the end of daylight saving time. With the sun setting earlier and more hours of darkness, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists are cautioned to be extra alert to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes.

October–December also typically brings increased activity among the deer population (2 million statewide). In 2022, more than 58,000 vehicle-deer crashes occurred across Michigan, according to Michigan State Police (MSP); with most of the crashes happening 5–8 a.m. and 5–10 p.m. It is more important than ever to stay alert especially during dawn and dusk hours, and be aware of your surroundings, ready to brake if you see a deer (and remember, often if you see one, there will be more).

If a crash is unavoidable, MSP advises motorists (of cars and trucks):

• Do not veer! While it may be instinct to swerve, MSP notes trying to avoid a deer may actually cause a loss of control of the vehicle causing a more serious traffic crash.
• Brake firmly and try to stay in your lane.
• Hold the steering wheel with both hands and bring your vehicle to a controlled stop.

Visit MSP online to find additional information for motorcyclists and also what to do if you collide with a deer while driving/riding.

Turkey … with a side of safety

Did you remember to test and/or change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors last month during National Fire Prevention Week? If not, go ahead; we can wait a minute … 

Now with your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in proper working condition, there are more safety reminders to visit as the holiday season nears. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) notes home cooking fires are more likely to occur on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year and offers tips, these and more online, to cook safely.

• Never leave the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop.
• When cooking a turkey, remain at home and check it regularly.
• Keep children at least 3 feet away from the stove and oven.
• Keep oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, towels, etc. at least 3 feet away from the cooking area.
• Avoid long sleeves and hanging fabrics that can come in contact with a heat source.
• If an oven fire occurs, turn off the heat, keep the door closed and call 911 for assistance.

NFPA strongly discourages the use of turkey fryers, which are prone to causing injuries and property damage.

The Ann Arbor Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy Thanksgiving — and hopes, with these precautions, NOT to see you on the holiday! 

Thanksgiving and expressing thanks

City offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28 and 29, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Trash/compost/recycling collection will be delayed due to the holiday. Pickups regularly scheduled for Thursday will instead take place with a one-day delay, on Friday the 29th; and Friday collections will be delayed to Saturday the 30th.

With the holiday seasons approaching, some residents and vendors like to take this time to show appreciation to the municipal employees who collect the trash, maintain the roadways, keep our community safe and provide other vital city services. While a friendly smile, wave or even a note of thanks are always welcomed and greatly appreciated, anything more is actually prohibited for employees to accept.

According to the City of Ann Arbor’s Conflict of Interest employee policy, city personnel are not permitted to accept gifts, meals and food items, gift baskets, gift cards, etc., of any dollar value. This policy is not intended to diminish the importance of the work city staff does, but instead is in place to protect transparency in city operations and to maintain the public trust.

Fall leaf management

Now through Friday Dec. 13, 2024, residents can leave up to 20 yard waste bags at the curb for collection (50 pounds or less each), temporarily increased from the usual 10 bag per-property limit. Unlimited leaf drop off will also be permitted at the Ann Arbor compost facility (from residents or their landscaper), and free wood chips are available for pick up at three locations around the city as well.

Alternative options to manage fallen leaves include:

• Use a mulching mower to feed grass clippings and leaves back into your lawn. 
• Use mulched leaves to cover flower beds in winter.
• Create a compost pile.
• Create a dead-wood garden with fallen limbs and branches.

For more tips and information, visit www.a2gov.org/compost.

CTN highlights

Check out what’s happening at CTN!

CTN Sports — Pioneer at Skyline Football & Pom/Marching Band Halftime Show, Oct. 10 

CTN Sports — Dexter at Pioneer Football & Marching Band Halftime Show, Oct. 4 

CTN Sports Top Plays of the Season 

FYI— T’onna Clemons is brightening the landscape of Ann Arbor through the Youth Art Gallery (YAG); Ann Arbor’s new flag; and DMUM’s Spook-A-Thon 

FYI— Josh Landefeld, Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation services manager, discusses the vitality of our natural areas through the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage. 

FYI Halloween Special 

FYI — Carla Margolis, writer, composer and director of the adaptation of the Brain that Wouldn’t Die, at Riverside Arts Center this Spooky Season; A2ZERO Green Fair 

Green Light— Episode 8, Ann Arbor Mayor Chris Taylor and Mayor Boris Palmer of Tubingen, Germany 

Green Spaces, Happy Places #1 

Green Spaces, Happy Places # 2 

Green Spaces, Happy Places #3 

Green Spaces, Happy Places # 4 

Green Spaces Happy Places #5 

Green Spaces Happy Places #6

Green Spaces Happy Places #7 

Park Peek — Postman’s Rest Park 

Park Peek — Ann Arbor Farmers Market 

Park Peek — Depot Park 

Senior Moments— Andrea Lang of Silver Club Memory Programs and Sarah Weiss of Washtenaw Support Network for Caregivers discuss their programs and how they interact and help people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. 

Senior Moments — Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled 

Ward Talk — Chris Watson, Ann Arbor City Councilmember from the Second Ward 

Elections coverage:

League of Women Voters 2024 — Michigan House of Representatives District 47 Candidates Forum 

League of Women Voters 2024 — Michigan House of Representatives District 32 Candidates Forum 

League of Women Voters 2024 — Michigan House of Representatives District 48 Candidates Forum I

League of Women Voters 2024 General Election — Ann Arbor 15th District Judge Candidates Forum 

League of Women Voters 2024 General Election — Ann Arbor Board of Education Trustees Candidates Forum 

League of Women Voters 2024 — Washtenaw County Commissioners District 7 Candidates Forum 

League of Women Voters 2024 — Washtenaw County 22nd Circuit Court judge Candidates Forum 

League of Women Voters 2024 General Election —Washtenaw Community College Trustees Candidates Forum 

League of Women Voters 2024 General Election — Washtenaw County Treasurer Candidates Forum 

Candidates Comment — Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education 2024, Eric Sturgis 

Candidates Comment — Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education 2024 - Ernesto Querijero 

Candidates Comment — Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education 2024, Glynda Wilks 

Candidates Comment — Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education 2024, Leslie Wilkins 

Candidates Comment — Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education 2024, Megan Kanous 

Candidates Comment— Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education 2024, Don Wilkerson 

Candidates Comment 2024 — Ann Arbor Schools Board of Education 

Santa Satellite Network 2024

Kids! Zoom in and talk to Santa live from the North Pole Tuesday, Dec. 10, 5:30–8 p.m. Kids will have six minutes to tell Santa their holiday wishes (one slot per family). You must sign up to schedule your spot. 

Then, one week later, tune in with friends and family to watch the entire program! Viewing options:

• Comcast Cable (in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti areas only) — CTN Channel 17
• CTN Live Stream
• YouTube – YouTube/ctnannarbor