Last-Minute Votes Count Too! Take This Guide With You to the Polls

The 'Gander's last-minute Election Day voter guide will help empower Michiganders to confidently cast their ballots at the polls.

Election Day 2020 is sure to break voting records across the state. Use this guide to cast your ballot confidently.

MICHIGAN — With one sunset between Michigan voters and the close of the polls for Election 2020, some voters are feeling the last-minute rush.

As the traditional Election Day closes in, Americans are exhausted from constant crises, on edge because of volatile political divisions, and anxious about what will happen next. Their agony is not in deciding between President Donald Trump or his Democratic challenger, Joe Biden. Most made that choice long ago.

Instead, voters arriving in record numbers to cast early ballots say basic democratic foundations feel suddenly brittle: Will their vote count? Will the loser accept the result? Will the winner find a way to repair a fractured, sick and unsettled nation?

There’s no need to panic or feel shame for taking your time with your vote. This guide sums up (just about) everything you need to know to safely and securely cast your ballot in Michigan.

Ballot Research

General election ballots can be quite long, but that doesn’t mean they have to be overwhelming too.

Click here to view your ballot and see what you’ll be voting for. Consider using nonpartisan voter information websites like the League of Women Voters of Michigan or Ballotpedia for details on candidates and proposed resolutions.

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Voter Registration

Michigan residents who still need to register to vote can do so at the same time they cast their ballot.

To be eligible to register to vote in Michigan, you must be:

A Michigan resident when you register and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days on the day you vote
A US citizen
At least 18 years of age on the day you vote
Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison

Prospective registered voters must also show proof of Michigan residency by presenting a document that has your name and current address listed. Digital copies are acceptable. Examples include:

Michigan driver’s license or state ID
Current utility bill
Bank statement
Paycheck or government check
Other government document

What You Need to Know About Registering to Vote in Michigan

In-Person Voting (Early)

Michigan’s more than 700 absentee ballot drop boxes are available 24/7 for voters who already have absentee ballots but still need to return them

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

In-Person Voting (Election Day)

All Michiganders must vote at their assigned polling place on Election Day. Click here to find out where your polling location is.

Be prepared to socially distance yourself from fellow voters and to wear a mask. Registered Michigan voters are not required to present photo identification, but it’s always a good idea to have it.

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Rules/Guides

Are you concerned about voting as a disabled Michigander? Does voter intimidation concern you?

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is working to ensure a fair and secure election for all Michigan voters. In any circumstance, you should be allowed to cast a provisional ballot if there are problems at the polls.

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The Associated Press contributed to this story.