Have you moved recently? One of the last things you may think about in the whirlwind process of buying a home and moving, is registering to vote or updating your address! Especially if you move to a new neighborhood or ward, you could be voting for local officials, school board members, and other officials to represent your community for the next 2-4 years, so don’t miss your opportunity to use your voice! Whether you have moved recently or not, it never hurts to review voting practices, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which in many cases has impacted how people can vote.
- Must be a US citizen
- Must be 18 years old by the date of the election
- Must be a resident of Michigan and at least a 30-day resident of your city by Election Day
- Not be confined in a jail after being convicted and sentenced
- Online at: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/registervoter
- In person at your local clerk’s office. Search for your clerk’s office here: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index/#yourclerk.
- Your current address
- A valid driver’s license, state ID, or social security number
- If you have neither, you will have to go to your local clerk’s office to register.
- In person: You can register to vote up until election day at your local clerk’s office. You will need to present proof of residency such as a valid license, utility bill, paycheck, etc.
- By mail or online: 15 days prior to election day (October 19th)
- In Michigan, anyone can vote absentee to for any reason. You can file to vote absentee online here: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/AVApplication/Index.
- You can apply for an absentee ballot, fill it out, and submit it all in one visit until 4pm on November 2nd at your local clerk’s office.
- To return your absentee ballot, mail it back (the earlier the better, it is recommended that you do so by October 19th), drop it off to your clerk’s office by 8pm on election day, or drop it in a drop box.
- Not all cities have drop box locations, to check yours, click here: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/sos/Ballot_Dropbox_Locations_697191_7.pdf
- Sign the outside of the envelope in the indicated box. If you don’t, your ballot will be rejected.
- You can track your absentee ballot at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index.
- You can vote early up until the day before the election (November 2nd) at your city clerk’s office by voting absentee in-person at your clerk’s office or via absentee ballot.
- The only thing that has changed with in-person voting is that you need to wear a mask and socially distance.
- It’s always a good idea to preview your ballot prior to the election so you know who you want to vote for! View a sample ballot and locate your polling place here: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index
- Make sure to bring a photo ID with you. If you don’t bring one, you will sign an affidavit.
- Voting sites will be open from 7am to 8pm on election day. If you are in line by 8pm, you must be allowed to vote.
