Voting
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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.