Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:28 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:07 a.m. UTC
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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization, to inform voters via TurboVote and other partners. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.
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Summary
Michigan allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. In Michigan, you can vote early in person with an absentee ballot at your local clerk's office.
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Who can register to vote?
To register in Michigan you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be at least 17.5 years old (18 when you vote)
- be a resident of Michigan when you register
- be a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days when you vote
- not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Michigan's site.
Can I vote in-person absentee?
- Yes, Michigan does offer in-person absentee voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. In-person absentee voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show current photo ID to vote in Michigan.
Acceptable forms include:
- Michigan driver's license or state ID card
- current (non-expired) driver's license or personal ID card issued by another state
- federal or state government-issued photo ID
- US passport
- military ID card with a photo
- student ID with a photo from a high school or an accredited institution of higher education
- tribal ID card with a photo
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you can vote like any other voter by signing an affidavit.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Michigan’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Michigan does offer early voting, which in Michigan is called in-person absentee voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the in-person absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show current photo ID to vote in Michigan.
Acceptable forms include:
- Michigan driver's license or state ID card
- current (non-expired) driver's license or personal ID card issued by another state
- federal or state government-issued photo ID
- US passport
- military ID card with a photo
- student ID with a photo from a high school or an accredited institution of higher education
- tribal ID card with a photo
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you can vote like any other voter by signing an affidavit.
How do I vote by mail?
In Michigan, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local clerk.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local clerk.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Michigan’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Michigan does offer registration on Election Day. To register on Election Day, you must visit your local clerk's office with proof of residency. Proof of residency may include:
- bank statement
- valid driver's license or ID
- lease
- utility bill
- credit card statement
- web page on your school's official academic portal listing your name and current address
- official school or financial aid document (e.g. a transcript, a loan statement, a FAFSA document)
Voter registration is not available at your polling place on Election Day.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the Michigan Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
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 local clerk for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local clerk may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local clerk.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- 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 clerk.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local clerk first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local clerk.
- 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 offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Michigan. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my 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.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In Michigan, your local clerk runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Michigan. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local clerk.