All registered voters in Michigan can vote before Election Day using an “absentee ballot.” You don’t need an excuse or a reason. You can vote before Election Day from home or by visiting your city or township clerk’s office.
How do I vote FROM HOME before Election Day?
- Step 1: Request Your Ballot
- Complete an application for an absentee ballot, sign it using your official signature and submit it to your city or township clerk. You can submit your completed application by email, mail, fax or in person. You can track when your application is received by your clerk and when your ballot is mailed to you by going to the Michigan Voter Information Center and entering the required information.
- Step 2: Fill Out Your Ballot
- Look for your absentee ballot to arrive in the mail. Once it arrives, fill it out, place it in the envelope provided, and sign the outside of the envelope with your official signature.
- Step 3: Turn in Your Ballot
- You should submit your completed ballot as soon as possible. Your completed ballot must be received by your city or township clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day (May 3 for the May election, August 2 for the primary, and November 8 for the general election) to be counted.
You have many ways to submit your completed ballot:
- Submit it by mail. We recommend putting your ballot in the mail no later than two weeks prior to Election Day (by April 19 for the May election, July 19 for the primary, and October 25 for the general election).
- Drop it off at your city or township clerk’s office or in a secure drop box provided by your clerk.
- Have an immediate family member (including a grandparent, grandchild or in-law) or a person residing in your household drop it off for you.
- As a last resort, if none of the above options are possible, you can have your city or township clerk pick up your completed ballot. To use this option, your completed ballot must be within the city or township where you vote, and you must call your city or township clerk by 5 p.m. on the Friday before Election Day (April 29 for the May election, July 29 for the primary, and November 4 for the general election) to request that your ballot be picked up.
What if I’m on the permanent absentee voter list?
Even if you’re on the permanent absentee voter list, you still need to request a ballot for each election.
If you’re signed up to be on the permanent absentee voter list, your city or township clerk will send you an absentee ballot application before each election. To receive your absentee ballot by mail, you must submit your completed application to your city or township clerk.
Where can I get an application for an absentee ballot?
At least 75 days prior to each election, you can print and submit an application for an absentee ballot from the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote. Alternatively, you can call your city or township clerk and ask that an application be mailed to you. You may also use any application for an absentee ballot provided to you by the Secretary of State, your clerk, a political party or another organization.
If you have a current Michigan driver’s license or state ID, you can complete your application online at michigan.gov/vote.
What is the deadline to vote FROM HOME before Election Day?
Submit your application as soon as possible. We strongly recommend submitting your application at least a month before the election to give ample time to receive your ballot, complete it and return it to your city or township clerk. Your completed absentee ballot must be received by your city or township clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day (May 3 for the May election, August 2 for the primary, and November 8 for the general election) to count.
How do I vote IN PERSON before Election Day?
- Step 1: Go to your city or township clerk’s office.
- Step 2: Complete an application for an absentee ballot and submit it to the staff.
- Step 3: Complete your ballot, place it in the envelope provided, sign the outside of the envelope with your official signature, and submit it to the staff.
When can I vote IN PERSON before Election Day?
You can go to your city or township clerk’s office starting 40 days before Election Day (March 24 for the May election, June 23 for the primary, and September 29 for the general election). If you are already registered to vote where you live, the deadline to vote IN PERSON before Election Day is the Monday before Election Day (May 2 for the May election, August 1 for the primary, and November 7 for the general election) at 4 p.m. If you need to register to vote, the deadline to register and vote at your city or township clerk’s office is 8 p.m. on Election Day (May 3 for the May election, August 2 for the primary, and November 8 for the general election).
Where is my city or township clerk’s office and when is it open?
Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote and enter your address to find the information for your city or township clerk. If your city or township clerk operates a satellite office or offices, the hours and locations of those offices will be posted as well. Alternatively, you can call your city or township clerk’s office and ask for their hours and location(s).
City and township clerks’ offices must be open during their normal hours, for at least eight hours the weekend before each election (April 30-May 1 for the May election, July 30-31 for the primary, and November 5-6 for the general election), and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day (May 3 for the May election, August 2 for the primary, and November 8 for the general election).
Is my clerk’s office accessible?
You have the right to an accessible voting location and an accessible voting machine. If your clerk’s office is not accessible or there is no accessible voting machine, call your city or township clerk right away, report it, and ask for an alternate site. You can also call the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline at the top of this page to report the issue.