What to know about voting, registration and more
Michigan voters this year will help decide key races for president, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, the state House, state Supreme Court and more.
It's an important responsibility, and one that any citizen can exercise by taking just a few steps.
Here's what you need to know to participate in the process:
When is the deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 6 primary?
Michigan allows you to register or update your voter registration until 8 p.m. on Election Day at your city or township clerk’s office. If registering by mail or online, registration applications must be received or postmarked at least 15 days before the election.
Where can I register?
You can register to vote at your city or township office until 8 p.m. on Election Day. You may also register at voter registration drives that are common across the state.
Related:
- Michigan elections 2024: How to be an informed voter, detect misinformation
- Michigan elections 2024: How to get an absentee ballot
- Michigan elections 2024: What’s new in state voting process?
- Michigan elections 2024: You voted, now what? What happens to ballots
- Michigan elections 2024: Polls for president, Senate, Biden, Trump
- Michigan elections 2024: Key dates, last day to register to vote
- Michigan elections 2024: Issues and policies, Biden, Trump, Democrats, GOP
In the last two weeks before an election, you can only register in-person at your local clerk’s office.
Unsure if you’re properly registered to vote? Click here to check your status and find your local clerk’s office.
Can I vote in person ahead of the election now?
Michigan voters now have access to at least nine days of early, in-person voting with the passage of Proposal 2 of 2022. To find out where and when early voting is accessible in your jurisdiction, click here.
Do I need an ID to vote?
When voting in-person, you'll be asked to show photo identification, such as a driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport or military ID. If you forget your ID, you can still vote by signing an affidavit affirming your identity.
How do I apply for an absentee ballot?
You can:
- Request a ballot online by 5 p.m. the Friday before an election. (That means by 5 p.m. on Aug. 2 for the Aug. 6 primary, and by 5 p.m. on Nov. 1 for the Nov. 5 general election.)
- Request a ballot in person from your city or township clerk’s office by 4 p.m. the Monday before an election. (That means by 4 p.m. on Aug. 5 for the Aug. 6 primary, and by 4 p.m. on Nov. 4 for the Nov. 5 general election)
- Contact your local clerk and request an application be mailed to you.
- Download an application and return by mail or in person with your local clerk.
Absentee ballot request forms are available to download online in English, Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Spanish and in large print format.
Within two weeks of the election, the Secretary of State recommends going in person to your local clerk’s office and requesting an application. You would then be able to get a ballot, fill it out and submit it, avoiding potential postal delays.
If you already have an absentee ballot filled out but forgot to mail it in, the department also recommends returning it in person to your local clerk within two weeks of the election.
For further information on applying for an absentee ballot as a voter overseas or in the military, click here.
When is the deadline to request an absentee ballot?
You can submit your ballot until 8 p.m. on Election Day. But to avoid postal delays, the state recommends mailing it at least two weeks beforehand.
I mailed in my absentee ballot already. How do I know if my clerk’s received it?
You can check the status of their absentee ballot here.
Where is my clerk’s office or drop box? Where is my voting precinct? Can I check to see if I’m registered?
The state has a tool to find your local clerk and your own voter information, including your precinct. You can use it here.
What is on my ballot?
Michigan has a tool to check the local ballots which, in addition to state and federal level races, also often include millages or other ballot questions.
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!