Who can register to vote in Michigan?
To register to vote in Michigan you must be:
- A citizen of the United States of America.
- At least 18 years of age (by election day).
- A resident of Michigan and the city or township where you are applying to register to vote.
- Not serving a sentence in jail or prison
How do I register to vote?
You can register to vote by mail using this form or large print form; at your county or township clerk's office; or by visiting any Secretary of State branch office, or their website by clicking here.
In addition, the following State agencies offer voter registration services to their clients: Department of Human Services, the Department of Community Health and the Department of Career Development. Military recruitment centers also provide voter registration services.
What is the voter ID requirement?
When you go to the polls to cast a ballot, you will be asked to produce photo identification. The requirements are the result of a 1996 law determined to be enforceable by the Michigan Supreme Court in 2007.
The following types of photo ID are acceptable:
- Michigan driver's license or state-issued ID card
- Driver's license or personal identification card issued by another state
- Federal or state government-issued photo identification
- U.S. passport
- Military ID with photo
- Student identification with photo from a high school or accredited institution of higher learning
- Tribal identification card with photo
The ID does not need your address. If you do not have photo ID or do not bring it with you to the polls, you may still vote. Simply sign an affidavit stating that you are not in possession of photo identification. Your ballot is included with all others and is counted on Election Day.
What hours are the polls open on Election Day?
The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for all elections.
How do I determine where I go to vote?
The Michigan Voter Information Center can help you determine whether you are registered to vote, and where you cast your ballot on Election Day. If you are not registered, you can follow the step-by-step instructions to register. You may also learn about voting equipment in your precinct, the voter identification requirement, and what you need to know if you would like to work at the polls on Election Day.
How can I learn about the candidates and proposals on my ballot before election day?
The Michigan Voter Information Center can help you determine what you will see on your ballot on Election Day.
Who qualifies for an absent voter ballot?
Pursuant to the passing of proposal 18-3 of 2018, all registered voters are eligible to obtain an absent voter ballot.
How do I get an absent voter ballot?
Your request for an absent voter ballot must be in writing and can be submitted to the township clerk at 3400 West Vienna Road, Clio, MI 48420.
Your request must include your signature. You must request an absent voter ballot by sending the application, a letter, a postcard, or a pre-printed application form obtained by our office to your the clerk. Requests to have an absent voter ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before the election. Absent voter ballots may be received in person up until 4 p.m. on the day before the election.
Once your request is received by the clerk, your signature on the request will be checked against your voter registration record before a ballot is issued. You must be a registered voter to receive an absent voter ballot. Requests for absent voter ballots are processed immediately. Absent voter ballots may be issued to you at your home address or any address outside of your city or township of residence.
Where do I send the absent voter ballot once I have filled it out?
Please return it to the clerks office at 3400 West Vienna Road, Clio, MI 48420.
What is an emergency absent voter ballot and how would I get one?
You may make an "emergency" request for an absent voter ballot if you cannot attend the polls on Election Day because:
- You have become physically disabled; or
- A family death or illness requires you to leave your community for the entire time the polls are open on Election Day.
The emergency must have occurred at a time which made it impossible for the voter to apply for an absent voter ballot by the statutory deadline for regular applications. Therefore, requests for an emergency ballot must be submitted after 5 p.m. the Friday before the election, which is the deadline for applying for a regular absent voter ballot, but before 4 p.m. on Election Day. Contact the clerk's office to obtain your emergency absent voter ballot. Emergency absent voter ballots must be returned to the clerk's office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
How does the voter ID requirement affect me if I vote with an absent voter ballot?
If obtaining your absent voter ballot in person, you will be requested to show photo ID. If you are not in possession of photo ID, you can simply sign an affidavit stating you are not in possession of photo ID. This requirement does not apply if requesting your ballot via mail.
Are absent voter ballots always counted?
Yes. Absent voter ballots simply allow voters who are eligible to cast ballots prior to Election Day. They are counted on Election Day along with all ballots voted at the polls.
How do I become an election inspector?
We are always looking for more election workers. Fill out the election inspector application and return it the Clerk's Office at 3400 West Vienna Road, Clio, MI 48420.
