Dates to Know: Are You Prepared for Michigan’s General Election?

MICHIGAN— There’s a lot on the line in Michigan this year as voters prepare to head to the polls in November. As part of our mission to inform and empower voters, we’ve put together a handy list of key election dates that you can bookmark as you make plans to vote on Nov. 8. 

Voters can get registered to vote online right now.

Aug. 25 is the first day that registered voters can apply online for an absentee ballot in Michigan.

Sept. 29 is the start of early voting, the date in which absentee ballots must be made available to voters. 

Oct. 24 is the last day to register online to vote in the General Election. After that, you’ll have to register in-person at your local city or township clerk’s office sometime before 8 p.m. on Election Day. It’s also the last day that officials recommend returning absentee ballots by mail to avoid mailing delays. After that, you’ll want to return them in-person at your local clerk’s office or stick them in a dropbox.

Nov. 4 is the last day to request an absentee ballot online or by mail by 5 p.m., though it’s strongly recommended that you do this before Oct. 18 to avoid mailing delays. It’s also the deadline for submitting a written request to spoil your absentee ballot and to receive a new one by mail. 

Nov. 7 is the deadline to retrieve (without voting) an absentee ballot from your local clerk’s office. 

Nov. 8 is General Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can register to vote in person—and retrieve and turn in your absentee ballot—at your clerk’s office anytime before 8 p.m. on Election Day. Remember: As long as you’re in line to vote before 8 p.m., you are entitled to cast your ballot.