Voting

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The Voting page has everything you need to know regarding voting. You can find out how to register to vote, your polling location, common voter myths, and when elections are.

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Important 2018 Michigan Election Information

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Register to Vote

Voting is easy to do and it has a big impact. To be eligible to vote in Michigan, you must be:

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A U.S. citizen
At least 18 years old by Election Day
A resident of Michigan
A resident of the city or township where you are applying to register to vote.
Register at least 30 days before the election.

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To register, mail in the registration form or drop it off to the city clerk. It can be obtained in person, or you can download the Michigan Voter Registration Form and print it at home. First time voters: If you have never voted in Michigan and register by mail, you must appear in person to vote in the first election in which you wish to participate (meaning you cannot vote absentee). This requirement does not apply if:

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You personally hand deliver the mail registration form to your county, city or township clerk’s office instead of mailing the form
You are 60 years of age or more
You are disabled
You are eligible to vote under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

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Find out more about Registering to Vote!

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Absentee Voting

Absent voter ballots are available for all elections. They provide voters with a convenient method for casting a ballot when they are unable to attend the polls on Election Day.

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As a registered voter, you may obtain an absent voter ballot if you are:

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Age 60 years old or older
Unable to vote without assistance at the polls
Expecting to be out of town on election day
In jail awaiting arraignment or trial
Unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons
Appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence.–

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Find out more about Absentee Voting!

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Voting Locations

Not sure where to go to vote? You can find your voting location (called a polling location) along with other valuable information about elections in your area and even view a map of where to go! You can search by name, date of birth, and zip code or by your driver’s license number.

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Find your Voting Location!

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Voting Myths

My ID that doesn’t match my gender identity or presentation, do I have rights? Yes!

Michigan’s voting system has a negative impact on LGBT people’s ability to participate in elections. This is especially for true for transgender and gender-nonconforming Michiganders who are often denied their right to vote due to stringent voter ID laws. We want everyone to get out and vote, so know your rights before Election Day. Check out the National Center for Transgender Equality’s “Voting While Trans Checklist” to know what to expect at the polls, and what to do in case your right to vote is challenged.

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I committed a felony. Am I still eligible to vote? Yes!

The only time you are ineligible to vote in Michigan is when you are physically incarcerated. If you are on probation or parole, you are still eligible to vote, and should get yourself registered. Additionally, if you are currently in jail awaiting plea or trial and have not yet been convicted, you are eligible for an absentee ballot.

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I moved to a different county for school and have a change of address sticker on my driver’s license or state id. Am I still eligible to vote? Yes!

If you were registered to vote before, your change of address through the Secretary of State also updated where you are registered to vote.

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I don’t have state issued photo ID with me. Can I still vote? Yes!

While having photo ID with you is the fastest way to get through the polls, you are also able to sign an affidavit stating that you are who you say you are. Michigan has a voter ID law, but does not have photo ID law.

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I lost my voter registration card. Can I vote without it? Yes!

You do not need to present a voter registration card in order to vote. Contact your city or township clerk in order to receive a new voter registration card.

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I’m pretty sure I’m at the right polling location, but they can’t find my name. Can I still vote? Yes!

If you are registered to vote, but your name does not appear on the local clerk’s list of registered voters, you can still vote. You merely need to ask for a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot allows you to fill out a ballot and have the county, township or city clerk determine within 6 days whether your ballot can be counted. To ensure that your ballot is counted, you must provide identification to your city, county or township clerk no later than the sixth calendar day after the election.

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My disability makes it difficult for me to vote. Do I have access to assistance at any polling location I am assigned? Yes!

Michigan law entitles you to reasonable accommodations to enable you to vote, which may include having someone read the ballot. You cannot be denied access to a polling place because of a disability.

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I am currently homeless. Am I still eligible to vote, even though I don’t have a permanent address? Yes!

The voter registration application has a portion where you can indicate landmarks or draw a map to identify where you normally stay, or you can use the address of a shelter.

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I won’t be able to vote on Election Day. Can I vote early? Sort of!

While many states allow all voters to cast ballots prior to Election Day, Michigan does not have early voting. Of course, qualified Michigan voters can cast absentee ballots prior to Election Day. Learn more about Absentee Voting here.