Voting in Michigan

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The policies governing voter participation are enacted and enforced primarily at the state level. These policies, which include voter identification requirements, early voting provisions, online voter registration systems, and more, dictate the conditions under which people cast their ballots in their respective states.

This article includes the following information about voting policies in Michigan:

Click here for more information about election administration in the state, including voter list maintenance policies, provisional ballot rules, post-election auditing practices, and additional election policy context.

For information on elections happening this year, click here.

Do you have questions about your elections? Looking for information about your local election official? Click here to use U.S. Vote Foundation’s election official lookup tool.

Voter registration

Eligibility and registration details

Check your voter registration status here.

To vote in Michigan, a voter must be a United States citizen and a resident of their city or township for at least 30 days. Voters must be at least 18 years old by Election Day, and not be currently serving a sentence in jail or prison.[1]

Voters may register to vote online, by mail, or in person at clerk's offices in their county, city, or township, or at a state department branch office 15 days or earlier before an election .[1]

Within 14 days of an election and on Election Day, voters can register in person at their local clerk's office by presenting proof of residency documentation.[1] According to the Michigan Secretary of State's website:[1]

“ Proof of residency is official documentation (paper or digital) that lists a voter’s current name and address. When registering to vote within 14 days of an election, voters must present one form of proof of residency in person at a local clerk’s office. Proof of residency examples include:
  • Michigan driver’s license, state ID, or U.S. Passport
  • A utility bill
  • Insurance documents (health, car, home, etc.)
  • A bank or credit card statement
  • Financial aid or school enrollment documents
  • A lease agreement
  • A paycheck or other government check
  • Other government document[2]
 ”


In-person voting

Poll times

See also: State poll opening and closing times

In Michigan, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. Most of the state is observes Eastern Time, while several counties observe Central Time. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote.[3]

Voter identification

See also: Voter identification laws by state

Michigan requires voters to present photo identification while voting.[4] Voters without identification can cast a regular ballot by signing an affidavit.[4]

The following list of accepted ID was current as of October 2024. Click here for the Michigan Secretary of State page on accepted ID to ensure you have the most current information.

  • Michigan driver’s license
  • Michigan personal identification card
  • Current driver’s license or personal ID card issued by another state
  • Current operator's or chauffeur's license
  • Current federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID
  • Current U.S. passport
  • Current military identification card with photo
  • Current student identification with photo from an educational institution
  • Current tribal identification card with photo.

Voters can obtain a state identification card at a secretary of state branch office for $10. Voters over the age of 65, voters who are blind, and voters whose driving privileges have been terminated due to a physical or mental disability can obtain an identification card for free. Additionally, voters who can present a reason for having the fee waived may also obtain an ID for free. Visit the Michigan secretary of state’s page or call (888) SOS-MICH (767-6424) for more information.[4]

Early voting

See also: Early voting

Michigan permits early voting. Michigan refers to early voting as early in-person voting. Early voting dates vary across the state, but must include a minimum of nine consecutive days, ending on the Sunday before an election. For more information, click here.

Early voting permits citizens to cast ballots in person at a polling place prior to an election. In states that permit no-excuse early voting, a voter does not have to provide an excuse for being unable to vote on Election Day. States that allow voters to cast no-excuse absentee/mail-in ballots in person are counted as no-excuse early voting states.

As of February 2024, 47 states and the District of Columbia permitted no-excuse early voting.


Absentee/mail-in voting

See also: Absentee/mail-in voting

Any Michigan voter can cast an absentee ballot. To vote absentee, a request must be received online or by mail no later than 5 p.m. on the Friday before the election. In person requests can be made until 4 p.m. on the day before Election Day. Completed absentee ballots must then be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day.[5]


Local election officials

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Do you need information about elections in your area? Are you looking for your local election official? Click here to visit the U.S. Vote Foundation and use their election official lookup tool.

Voting rules for people convicted of a felony

See also: Voting rights for people convicted of a felony

In Michigan, people convicted of a felony that are in prison are not eligible to vote. Upon completion of their prison time, voting rights are automatically restored.[6]

Voting rights for people convicted of a felony vary from state to state. In the majority of states, people convicted of a felony cannot vote while they are incarcerated but may regain the right to vote upon release from prison or at some point thereafter.[7]


Election administration agencies

Election agencies

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See also: State election agencies

Individuals seeking additional information about voting provisions in Michigan can contact the following local, state, and federal agencies.

Michigan County Clerks

Click here for a list

Michigan Department of State, Bureau of Elections

Richard H. Austin Building, First Floor
430 W. Allegan St.
Lansing, Michigan 48918
Phone: 800-292-5973
Email: elections@michigan.gov
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/sos

U.S. Election Assistance Commission

633 3rd Street NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 301-563-3919
Toll free: 1-866-747-1471
Email: clearinghouse@eac.gov
Website: https://www.eac.gov


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See also

Elections in Michigan


External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Michigan Secretary of State, "Registering to Vote," accessed October 7, 2024
  2. ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  3. ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "Frequently Asked Questions: Elections and Voting," accessed April 16, 2023
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Michigan.gov, "Notice to Voters: Voter Identification Requirement in Effect," accessed October 7, 2024
  5. ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "Vote at home (Absentee)," April 17, 2023
  6. ↑ The Office of Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, "Returning Citizens - You Can Vote!" accessed April 17, 2023
  7. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Felon Voting Rights," April 6, 2023
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