Oakland County, Michigan, Thursday, April 5, 2007 -- Monday, April 9, is the last day to register to vote in the May 8 elections.

Voters in 20 county school districts will be going to the polls, along with voters in the city of Bloomfield Hills, Ferndale, Lyon Township, Milford Township and Orion Township, said Ruth Johnson, Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds.

Several "out-county" districts, headquartered outside of Oakland County but with voters residing inside of county lines, will also be going to the polls. For an up-to-date list of candidates and ballot proposals, visit the Oakland County Clerk's website at www.oakgov.com/clerkrod.

Residents may register to vote at their local city, village or township hall or at the Oakland County Election Division, 1200 N. Telegraph in Pontiac.

This year marks the third year of school elections held under Michigan's consolidated election laws, which limit regular elections to four set dates per year to streamline the election process and boost turnout.

School elections had typically been held in June. Today, most school districts hold May elections. Several have opted for November dates, combining with local municipal elections. The moves have saved thousands of taxpayer dollars.

"Ideally, we'd like to see schools select an even-year November date for consistency' sake," Johnson said. "Voting is so critical - it's an opportunity for people to have a voice in what happens in their communities and schools."