
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.
MORE READING:
- 5 Trusted Sources for Researching Your Michigan Ballot in the 2020 Election
- Why You Need to Pay Attention to the Nonpartisan Part of Your Ballot
- Here’s How You Can Cast Your Vote in Person Before Election Day in Michigan
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
SEE ALSO:
Michiganders Had Until Oct. 19 to Register to Vote Online
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:
- Here’s How to Turn in Your Ballot at One of Michigan’s 700+ Drop-Off Locations
- Michigan Election Head: Drop Off Absentee Ballot, Don’t Mail It
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.
HELPFUL LINKS:
- Everything That Might Go Wrong on Election Day and How to Deal With It
- The ‘Gander’s Guide to Voting in Michigan in 2020
- Voting for the First Time in a Pandemic? Don’t Panic. Just Plan.
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.
READ MORE:
- How Disabled Michiganders Can Vote Safely This Election
- 6 Ways to Troubleshoot Voter Intimidation at the Polls in Michigan
- Do I Need an ID to Vote? A Guide to in-Person Voting Requirements in Michigan
- Everything Military (and Their Families) Need to Know About Voting in Michigan
- Is Voting in Person on Election Day Safe in Michigan?
The Associated Press contributed to this story.