Important Dates and Election Information
- Early voting: Saturday, Oct. 26, through Sunday, Nov. 3
- Voter registration deadline (online or by mail): Monday, Oct. 21
- Voter registration deadline (in person): Tuesday, Nov. 5, by 8 p.m.
- Deadline to submit an absentee ballot: Tuesday, Nov. 5, by 8 p.m.
- General election: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Voting at a Glance
- Voter registration: Check your registration using the state’s voter information portal.
- Absentee voting: All registered voters can request a no-excuse absentee ballot.
- Early voting: Michigan requires at least nine days of early voting for statewide and federal elections. Vote early and in person by going to your city or township clerk’s office and filling out an absentee ballot.
- Voting at the polls: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bring an acceptable form of photo ID, such as your driver’s license or U.S. passport.
Recent Voting Changes in Michigan
Laws passed in 2023 introduced several changes to Michigan’s election laws:
- At least nine days of early voting are now required for statewide and federal elections.
- The prohibition on hiring transportation to bring voters to polling places was eliminated.
- State funding is provided for drop boxes and prepaid return envelopes for absentee ballots.
- The list of acceptable photo IDs has been expanded.
- A new district map has altered the boundaries of 15 Detroit-area state House districts.
How to Register to Vote
You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person:
- Online: If you have a valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID, you can use the state’s voter registration portal to register. Online registration ends Monday, Oct. 21.
- By mail: Print a voter registration form, complete it, and mail it to your city or township clerk’s office. It must be postmarked by Monday, Oct. 21.
- In person: Register at your city or township clerk’s office. Bring an acceptable form of ID that proves residency, such as a Michigan driver’s license, state ID card, or paycheck. You can register to vote in person until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5 (Election Day).
Registering to Vote on Election Day
You can register to vote until 8 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5) at your township or city clerk’s office. You must show proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill.
Check Your Voter Registration Status
You can check your registration status using the state’s voter information portal.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot
All registered voters can request a no-excuse absentee ballot. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Friday, Nov. 1, by 5 p.m. for mail and online applications, and Monday, Nov. 4, by 4 p.m. for in-person applications. Here’s how you can apply for an absentee ballot:
- Online: Fill out an absentee ballot application on the Michigan secretary of state’s website.
- By mail: Download and complete an application from the state’s voter information portal, then mail it to your city or township clerk’s office.
- In person: Visit your city or township clerk’s office to complete an application. If you are registered at your current address, you can request and complete an absentee ballot in person at your clerk’s office.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
Completed absentee ballots must be returned by mail, in person, or via a drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5). Military and overseas ballots postmarked by Election Day will be counted if they are received within six days after the election. Here’s how you can return your ballot:
- By mail: Mail your completed ballot to your city or township clerk’s office. If you’re returning your ballot within two weeks of Election Day, hand-deliver it to avoid potential postal delays.
- In person: Drop off your completed ballot at your city or township clerk’s office.
- Drop box: Place your completed ballot into a drop box in your city or township.
Track the status of your absentee ballot using the state’s voter information portal.
Voting in Person Before Election Day
Michigan provides at least nine days of early voting before statewide and federal elections. You can vote early from Saturday, Oct. 26, through Sunday, Nov. 3, at an early voting site or your city or township clerk’s office. For more details, check the Michigan Department of State website.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5). If you’re in line by 8 p.m., you will still be allowed to vote. Find your polling place using the state’s voter information portal. Sample ballots will be available on the Michigan secretary of state’s website.
Voter ID Requirements on Election Day
You need an acceptable form of photo ID to vote, such as a Michigan driver’s license or U.S. passport. If you don’t have an ID, you can sign an affidavit at the polls before voting.
Voting with a Disability
Voters with disabilities can vote at home or in person by applying for a standard absentee voter ballot or an accessible voter ballot. Each polling place will have a Voter Assist Terminal that allows voters to mark their ballots using a touch screen. Voters can also receive assistance from another person, as long as that person is not their employer or union official.
More information on accessible voting is available on the Michigan secretary of state’s website.
Voting from a Nursing Home or Long-term Care Facility
Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities can vote via absentee ballot or participate in early voting. Local election officials may assist residents in registering and voting.
