News --- Ficano provides county building to important cause

Iraqis living in Michigan may still vote in late January elections

Southgate -- Wayne County plans to aid in the Iraqi national election by opening a local polling station in Southgate.

Wayne County Executive Ficano identified a county building on Northline Road in the Downriver city upon a request from United States International Organization for Migration. He announced the Iraqi out-of-country election location at a Jan. 14 conference.

Wayne County Commission Chair Jewel Ware and representatives of the American Iraqi community were present for the morning announcement. The building being donated for use is at 15800 Northline in Southgate (formerly the HQ building) near Interstate-75 on the north side of Northline Road.

"This is an important event that required Wayne County to act quickly and decisively," the county executive said.

There are several requirements in order for anyone to participate in the Jan. 28 elections in Iraq. Iraqi nationals can vote for the country's new National Assembly if:

• Have current, or had in the past, Iraqi citizenship or were born in Iraq, or your father is Iraqi
• Are at least 18 years old by Dec. 31, 2004
• Can present official documents to prove all of the above

Even if you have citizenship from another country, you can register to vote. Bring all official documents when you come to register from Jan. 17 to Jan. 23, 2005.

After Iraqis have registered, they will be able to vote from Jan. 28 to Jan. 30, 2005.

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