Because Michigan does not have an easy system of early voting, voting absentee/by mail is the best course of action for most Michigan voters.
To avoid possible postal delays impacting your vote, we recommend mailing your completed ballot back by Tuesday, October 13th. Plan to drop it off by hand after that.
If you are concerned about your absentee ballot returning on time through the mail, visit our other page to learn how to drop your ballot off in person.
Registering in Person: November 3, 2020 at your city or township clerk office. The voter registration deadline is October 19, 2020 if you submit an application form through a voter registration drive or deliver it to a county clerk or secretary of state office.
Registering by Mail: Postmarked October 19, 2020
Registering online: October 19, 2020
Voters should be receiving absentee applications in the mail automatically.
Request in Person: November 2, 2020
Request by Mail: Received October 30, 2020
Request online: N/A
Ballots must be returned by 8pm (local time), either by mail or in-person to your local election office or an official ballot-return drop-box.
We strongly recommend mailing your ballot much earlier (by October 13th) and, if that's not possible, dropping it off in person. Learn how below or on our other page.
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Either in a drop box within your jurisdiction or to your clerk's office by 8pm on Election Day.
A member of the immediate family of the voter or a person residing in the voter’s household may deliver a ballot to the clerk for the voter.
In general, September 19th to November 2nd.
Michigan does not provide in-person early voting at polling places, but does allow absentee in-person voting. You can also go in person to the office of your municipal and township clerks and request an absentee ballot until 4 p.m. on the day before the election
Go in person to the office of your municipal and township clerks and request an absentee ballot until 4 p.m. on the day before the election
Photo ID requested
Election workers will ask you for a photo ID, but if you do not have one, you will sign an affidavit that you do not have ID or don’t have it on you and vote a ballot that will be counted on Election Day. Bring your photo ID if you have it because it will make the process faster.
a driver’s license or identification card issued by Michigan or another state,
a U.S. passport,
a photo ID issued by a federal or state government,
a military ID with photo,
a high school or college photo ID, or
a tribal ID with photo.
If you want to register and vote at the same time on or after the 14th day before an election, including on Election Day, then you need to also supply proof of residence, such as a utility bill or bank account statement with your name and residential address.
If you have missed the voter registration deadline, you can still register to vote and a cast a ballot at the same time during early voting or on November 3, 2020. If you plan to register in person within 14 days of November 3, 2020, you will need to present proof of residency. To register under these rules, Contact your Local Election Office with any questions.
7am - 8pm
If you are in line when polls close, you are legally entitled to vote. Don't leave!
Photo ID requested
If ID is not presented, the voter signs an affidavit and votes on a regular ballot.
Election workers will ask you for a photo ID, but if you do not have one, you will sign an affidavit that you do not have ID or don’t have it on you and vote a ballot that will be counted on Election Day. Bring your photo ID if you have it because it will make the process faster. Acceptable IDs include:
a driver’s license or identification card issued by Michigan or another state,
a U.S. passport,
a photo ID issued by a federal or state government,
a military ID with photo,
a high school or college photo ID, or
a tribal ID with photo.
If you want to register and vote at the same time on or after the 14th day before an election, including on Election Day, then you need to also supply proof of residence, such as a utility bill or bank account statement with your name and residential address.