How to Vote in Michigan: 2020 Guide
The general election is coming up on Nov. 3, and now is the perfect time to make your voice heard.
Here’s a guide to help you get your vote on this election!
How to find out if you’re already registered to vote:
Check your Michigan voter registration status online here.
How to register to vote:
Michigan residents can register to vote at any time up to 8 p.m. on Election Day at their city or township clerk’s office. If you choose to register to vote with your local clerk in person after Oct. 30, you will be required to vote the ballot in-person. If you register a different way, your completed voter registration application must be received or postmarked by Oct. 19, 2020 in order to vote in the November General Election.
If you move to a new city or township, you must re-register. If you move within a city or township and are already registered to vote, you just need to update your address with the city/township clerk.
You must have a valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID to use the online form to register to vote or update your voter registration address.
Here are all the steps to register to vote, and click each link for more information:
Confirm you are eligible
Fill out an application
Submit your application
City/township clerk processes application
How to find your polling location:
To find your polling place, go here.
How to vote by mail:
An application for an absentee ballot was mailed to all registered Michigan voters before the primary election. If you didn’t receive one, you can request an absentee ballot online here, call your local clerk’s office and ask for a new application to be sent to you in the mail or you can print an application to mail it in or drop it off in person. Requests must be received by a clerk by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30.
Once you get your official ballot, fill it out correctly and mail it in or drop it off in person. The Michigan Secretary of State’s Office encourages everyone to send it in as soon as possible. Voters are recommended to mail their ballot in no later than Oct. 20. You may also drop it off in person at a clerk’s office.
To vote, you must be:
At least 18 years of age (when you vote)
A Michigan resident at the time you register and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote)
A United States citizen
Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison
You may register when you are 17.5 years old, but won’t be able to actually vote until you’re 18.
If you register within two weeks of the election, you must show proof of where you reside. Acceptable documents to show for proof of residency include a Michigan driver’s license or state ID, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government check or other government document. The documents must have your current address and name.
How to track the status of your ballot:
To track the status of your ballot, go here.
