Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum recently shed light on the often-overlooked process of write-in voting, an option available to voters who wish to support candidates not listed on their ballots. While many voters may think they can simply write in a name, Byrum emphasizes that there are specific requirements that must be met for these votes to be counted.

First and foremost, for a write-in vote to count, the candidate must be a registered write-in candidate. This registration process involves the candidate submitting a brief form to the appropriate filing official before the election deadline, which is typically 4:00 p.m. on the second Friday before the election. If this registration is approved, the candidate’s name will be communicated to local clerks and precinct workers, making it known that the write-in is valid.

Once voters arrive at the polls, they must follow a few essential steps. When casting a write-in vote, voters need to ensure they fill in the bubble next to the write-in area just as they would for any other candidate. This step is crucial; without marking the bubble, the vote may not be counted.

Additionally, clarity in spelling is key. Voters must spell the write-in candidate’s name clearly enough for it to be recognizable by the precinct workers, who include representatives from both major political parties. This ensures that the intent of the voter is accurately reflected in the vote count. After the polls close, votes for write-in candidates are hand-tallied and reported to the county clerk for certification by the county board of canvassers.

For those considering write-in candidates, Byrum offers a practical tip: voters can request a list of registered write-in candidates from their local clerk’s office. This is an important step since precinct workers at polling places cannot provide this information.

Finally, Byrom humorously reminds voters that not all names are eligible. For instance, characters like Mickey Mouse or James Bond are unlikely to have registered as write-in candidates. This reinforces the idea that while write-in voting is a powerful tool for expressing preferences, it comes with specific rules that must be followed to ensure every vote counts.

By educating voters about the write-in process, Byrum aims to empower citizens to make informed choices, enhancing participation and engagement in the democratic process. Understanding these guidelines not only aids in individual voting efforts but also strengthens the overall electoral system.

Hailey’s Journey: A Micro Preemie’s Triumph

In the early days of 2020, as the world braced for an unprecedented pandemic, a tiny fighter named Hailey entered the world. Born on January 19, 2020, at just 23 weeks and two days gestation, Hailey was classified as a micro preemie – a term reserved for the smallest and most vulnerable premature babies.

Weighing merely a pound at birth, Hailey’s first months were marked by a series of medical challenges that would test her strength and resilience. Within her first month, she underwent surgery for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a condition that caused severe bloating in her abdomen. This was followed by another surgery to remove part of her intestine and create an ostomy.

For nine long months, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) became Hailey’s home. During this time, she faced numerous hurdles, including the need for a tracheostomy after being intubated for six months. Despite multiple attempts, Hailey struggled to breathe independently, failing CPAP trials after just a day.

As Hailey’s parents navigated this challenging journey, they found themselves preparing for a homecoming that would be far from typical. The transition from hospital to home care for a medically complex child like Hailey required extensive planning and support. It was during this time that they connected with First Day, a home healthcare agency that would play a crucial role in Hailey’s ongoing care.

Dana, a nurse from First Day, became an integral part of Hailey’s care team. Starting in November 2020, Dana worked with Hailey for nearly three years, witnessing and contributing to the remarkable progress of this tiny warrior. The support provided by Dana and the First Day team brought immense relief to Hailey’s parents, who were facing the daunting task of caring for a child with a ventilator, tracheostomy, and G-tube at home.

The level of care required for Hailey was intense and constant. It involved monitoring her ventilator, frequent suctioning of her trach, managing her G-tube feeds, and keeping a vigilant eye on her vital signs. As Hailey grew stronger, her care evolved to include developmental milestones like sitting up and eventually learning to eat by mouth.

One of the most poignant aspects of Hailey’s early life was the separation from her older sister. Due to flu season restrictions and later the COVID-19 pandemic, Hailey’s sister was unable to visit her in the NICU. Their first face-to-face meeting didn’t occur until Hailey finally came home, just before Halloween 2020. This homecoming was a joyous occasion, with both sisters dressed as unicorns for Hailey’s first Halloween.

The journey of Hailey’s growth is perhaps best illustrated by the stark contrast between her first diaper – a tiny preemie size – and the regular diapers she wears today. This visual representation of her progress serves as a powerful reminder of how far she has come.

Over the next two years, Hailey made remarkable strides. With the support of her family and medical team, she overcame numerous challenges. She learned to eat orally, a significant achievement for a child who had been dependent on a G-tube. Gradually, she was weaned off the ventilator, and eventually, her tracheostomy was removed.

Today, Hailey is a vibrant, active child attending school and living life to the fullest. Her graduation from home healthcare services marked a bittersweet moment for her care team. While they celebrated her incredible progress, they also felt a sense of loss, having been so deeply involved in her early years.

The bond formed between Hailey’s family and her care team, especially nurse Dana, extends beyond professional boundaries. Dana continues to receive updates and visits Hailey every couple of months, cherishing the opportunity to witness her ongoing progress.

Hailey’s story is a testament to the resilience of micro preemies and the power of dedicated medical care and family support. From her earliest days as a one-pound fighter in the NICU to her current life as an energetic preschooler, Hailey’s journey inspires hope and admiration.

As Hailey continues to thrive, her story serves as a beacon of hope for other families navigating the challenging world of premature birth and complex medical needs. It underscores the importance of specialized home healthcare services in bridging the gap between hospital and home, allowing medically fragile children like Hailey to flourish in the loving environment of their families.

Hailey’s triumph over her early challenges is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit, the advances in medical care for premature infants, and the profound impact of compassionate, specialized healthcare. Her journey from a micro preemie to a thriving young girl is not just a personal victory but an inspiration to all who hear her story.