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Michigan offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Michigan by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

We're monitoring election changes related to COVID-19 and making updates to the information below as quickly as possible. Please check back frequently to make sure you have the most up-to-date details.

Last update: Apr 21, 2021

Who can vote

You have to register to vote before Election Day in Michigan.

To register in Michigan you must:
  • be a citizen of the United States
  • be 18 years old by the next election
  • be a resident of Michigan and at least a 30 day resident of your city or township by election day
  • not be confined in a jail or prison after being convicted and sentenced
  • You can find more information on voting rights restoration here

Online voter registration

  • Michigan offers online voter registration.
  • You should know: you need a Michigan driver's license or state ID to use Michigan's online voter registration system. If you don't have a Michigan-issued ID, you can still register by mail to vote.

By-mail voter registration

Use the Michigan voter registration form

You can register to vote using the Michigan voter registration form. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and fill it out completely. Send the completed form to your local election office.

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the  National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: Your completed voter registration form must contain your Michigan driver's license number or Michigan-issued personal identification card number. If you do not have a driver's license or state issued personal identification card, you must include the last four digits of your social security number. If you do not have a driver's license or a state issued personal identification card or a social security number, please write "NONE" on the form. A unique identifying number will be assigned by the State.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: Michigan does NOT require that you register with a party to participate in partisan primary elections.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
  5. Review the "Who can vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office.
  8. Notice: Michigan law requires that the same address be used for voter registration and driver's license purposes. Therefore, if the residence address you provide on this form differs from the address shown on a driver's license or personal identification card issued by the State of Michigan, the Secretary of State will automatically change your driver's license or personal identification card address to match the residence address entered on this form. If an address change is made, the Secretary of State will mail you an address update sticker for your license or personal identification card.
  9. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: A current and valid photo identification or A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. More information here.

In-person voter registration

Due to COVID-19, in-person services may have limited availability. Contact your local election office to confirm. See CDC guidance on safe in-person registration and voting.

Election Day registration

Michigan does offer registration on Election Day at designated locations in each town. It is not available at your polling place.

Get step-by-step help

If you’d like more help planning how to register, TurboVote can walk you through the process! They can also help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more.

Military and overseas voters

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your election official for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
  1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your election official may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
  2. Send the application to your election official.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible. .
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your election official first. Then: 
  • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local Board of Registrars. 
  • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.The Federal Voting Assistance Program
FVAP.gov offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Michigan. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE or email vote@fvap.gov

Check your voter registration status

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Michigan's voter registration lookup tool.

Election contact information for Michigan

Address:
Secretary of State
Richard H. Austin Building - First Floor, 430 W. Allegan
Lansing, MI 48933

Phone Number:
(517) 335-3234

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