GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Voters who have cast an absentee ballot for the upcoming primary election have an opportunity to cancel the selection and make a different choice until 4 p.m. Monday, officials said.

The Michigan primary is Tuesday, March 8, making the opportunity particularly useful for people who voted for a presidential candidate who has since bowed out of the election.

Any voter may spoil an absentee ballot for any reason before the deadline, according to Grand Rapids City Clerk Darlene O'Neal.

"The voter must contact the clerk's office with their request, and staff will pull their ballot, spoil it, and re-issue a new ballot," she said.

On Friday, March 4, Dr. Ben Carson suspended his presidential campaign, leaving Donald Trump, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Ohio Gov. John Kasich competing for the Republican nomination.



In February, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Hewlard-Packard CEO Carly Fiorino also dropped out of the Republican presidential race.

O'Neal said the city clerk's office and others in the region are open Saturday, March 5, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. She said voters can come to the office Saturday or Monday and cast a new vote in the office.



"They must have their photo identification with them and will not be allowed to leave with their ballot," said O'Neal.

Saturday is also the last day for voters to apply for absentee ballots by mail. The voting sheet must be in the city clerk's office by 8 p.m. Election Day.

The phone number to the Grand Rapids City Clerk's Office is (616) 456-3010. Information is also available on the website.The office is located on the second floor of City Hall, 300 Monroe Ave. NW

Monica Scott is an education writer. Email her at mscott2@mlive.com and follow her on Twitter @MScottGR or Facebook