August election notes
Polls will be open in Ann Arbor 7 a.m.?8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4 for the Statewide Primary Election. To locate your ward and/or polling place, go online to the Michigan Voter Information web page at www.michigan.gov/vote.
If you are voting absentee and haven't returned your absentee ballot yet, you may wish to drop it off in the convenient, secure drop box inside the doors at Larcom City Hall or directly to the city clerk?s office on the second floor ? instead of mailing it ? to ensure it's received in time. In addition, the city clerk?s office will be open 8 a.m.?4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, for in-person voter registration and absentee ballot requests.
Be prepared for the polls. Visit the city website for more information at www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=716, or contact the city clerk?s office at 734.794.6140.
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Sign up for emergency notifications
Your safety is the top concern ? that?s why the City of Ann Arbor wants to make sure you know about emergencies and incidents as they happen. Beginning in August, the City of Ann Arbor will begin to use Washtenaw County's emergency notification system, powered by Everbridge, to make sure you know about issues that may affect your safety. This system, www.washtenaw.org/alerts, allows the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County to contact thousands of residents in seconds via phone, email or text so you can find out about an emergency right away.
The success of this service relies on YOU. Having your latest contact information is the only way to ensure you can be contacted in an emergency. Please sign up for emergency notifications from the City of Ann Arbor at www.washtenaw.org/alerts. It only takes a minute to enroll!?https://www.washtenaw.org/alerts
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Taking Care of Maize & Blue and A2
Fall is approaching, and that means Ann Arbor?s population is about to increase as many college students return to their school-year homes away from home. This influx of people in the city makes it critical to practice safety measures to prevent coronavirus such as frequent hand washing, physical distancing and wearing masks over nose and mouth.
The city has been working with local partners to help emphasize these necessary safety measures. In collaboration with the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, the city currently closes streets throughout downtown on weekends through Aug. 23 to provide merchants and restaurants extra space for distancing among diners and patrons. Signage promoting masks, distance, kindness and ?A2gether? can be found on storefronts, in flowerbeds and on street barricades. Learn more here: www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=713. And recently, the city has joined forces with the University of Michigan to continue echoing the importance of safety. ?Taking Care of Maize & Blue and A2? messages can soon be seen on campus and throughout the city.
Do your part, Ann Arbor, to keep yourself and those you hold dear safe.
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Shape your future: Start here, with the 2020 Census
The U.S. Census Bureau recently mailed the final round of reminder postcards to households that haven?t yet responded to the 2020 Census. Because census takers will begin visiting homes in mid-August, responding now will minimize the need for census takers to collect responses in person.
Completing your 2020 Census has never been easier. The form?s nine questions can be answered online at 2020census.gov; by phone in English (844.330.2020) and in 12 other languages 7 a.m.?2 a.m. Eastern Time every day (2020census.gov/en/ways-to-respond/responding-by-phone.html); or on paper by mailing back the form that was sent to homes in April. The 2020 Census will conclude on Oct. 31.
Households that have already responded may disregard the reminder postcard if they receive it. A small number of households that have already responded will receive a census taker visit as part of 2020 Census quality checks.
Be counted, Ann Arbor! There's too much at stake not to be. Funding for roads, healthcare, food assistance and education as well as representation, our community depends on you. Learn more at www.a2gov.org/Pages/2020-Census.aspx.
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Watch water consumption with AquaHawk
The City of Ann Arbor is launching AquaHawk, a free online tool that provides water customers with access to:
View and track water consumption.
Get water alerts via email, text or phone.
To register, simply visit www.a2gov.org/aquahawk and click on the ?register? button. Users who have multiple accounts with the same customer number only need to add one account per customer number; the remaining accounts that share that customer number will be linked within 24 hours. After registering, water customers will be able to see their current water-use history and take advantage of the other powerful tools AquaHawk provides. Questions can be directed to City of Ann Arbor Customer Service at 734.794.6320 or [email protected].
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E-bike purchase incentives
As part of the A2ZERO Carbon Neutrality Initiative, Ann Arbor is announcing the new Community E-bike Discount Program. The program was created to increase the availability and prevalence of electric bicycles (e-bikes) in the Ann Arbor community by creating discounts and incentives for the purchase of certain e-bike models. The program comes as a partnership between the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations, Human Electric Hybrids LLC, and Common Cycle, Ann Arbor's non-profit bicycle co-op.
E-bike models within the discount program were chosen because of their reliability, replaceable batteries, comfort for people of various body types and robust warranties. They are also road and bike-lane legal and come ready with accessories including racks, chain guards and lights. Both e-bike models are eligible for a $100 discount plus $50 in-store credit. Less than 100 bicycles are currently available as the program is currently being piloted. Learn more on the city website at?www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=714.
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Visit Every Park Challenge
Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation is posing a challenge to visit all 163 parks in the city parks system! The Visit Every Park Challenge encourages everyone to get outdoors to explore and discover a new park. Every two weeks, a new set of four parks that also will have a hidden letter for you to find (one letter per set of parks) will be revealed. Participate all summer long to collect six letters, which you can then unscramble to reveal a location to receive a prize! Visit www.a2gov.org/VEPchallenge for details, or contact GIVE 365 at 734.794.6445 or [email protected].?
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 Have some spare time or want volunteer hours? Be Trash Trailblazer, and help keep the parks clean for all to enjoy!
Solar on your home
Are you interested in getting solar on your home? If yes, check out the new Solarize Ann Arbor program which helps reduce the upfront cost of solar by 5%?15% through a coordinated bulk purchase. Learn more here:?www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGt5xJTxnyY&feature=youtu.be. Or join one of the live events and bulk buys by checking out www.a2gov.org/solar.
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Now showing on CTN
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Are you Real ID compliant?
Your Michigan driver?s license or identification card may not get you through airport security later this year. Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, residents will need to present a Real ID-compliant document to fly in the U.S. and enter certain federal facilities under federal law.
Many people already have a Real ID-compliant document, such as a valid U.S. passport, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Card or an Enhanced Driver?s License. A full list of acceptable Real ID documents is available at www.tsa.gov/. Those who don?t can make their Michigan license or identification Real ID compliant by visiting a Secretary of State branch office and presenting the required documents. Learn more about obtaining a Real ID-compliant driver?s license or state ID at www.michigan.gov/RealID.
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