A step-by-step guide on registering to vote in Michigan

Still need to register to vote in 2024? Here’s how you do it.

This year’s election could completely change the course of our nation. Many issues are at stake, including reproductive rights, our economic priorities, and education among them.

There’s no better way to make your voice heard and be part of crafting our future than voting.

Unfortunately, not everyone who is able to vote in Michigan participates. Although these numbers have improved in recent election cycles, figures from 2020 show that out of a voting-age population of 7,914,600, only 70.5% of those people voted.

There are a lot of reasons someone might not choose to vote. A US Census survey found some of the main reasons among people polled included them being too busy, not liking the candidates or campaign issues, and—most commonly—simply not being interested. But the truth is the entire process is incredibly quick and easy.

But before you can vote, you need to be registered. Thankfully, registering to vote in Michigan is a painless process. Here’s how to do it.

CHECK REGISTRATION STATUS: 

Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center to look up your registration status. You can search by general info, like name and address or by driver’s license number. Vote.org also offers a 30-second search feature to confirm your registration status if you’re in a hurry. 

HOW AND WHERE TO REGISTER: 

Not yet registered or need to update your existing registration? You’ve got time, but make sure to review the detailed deadline info below. If you have a valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID, you can register online by visiting the Michigan Online Voter Registration page. 

If you don’t have a Michigan driver’s license or state ID, you are still eligible to vote if you are:

• A Michigan resident
• At least 18 years of age by Election Day 
• A US citizen
• Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison

WHEN TO REGISTER: 

If there are 15 or more days before the election, you can register online (with a valid driver’s license or state ID), in person, or by mail. 15 days before the general election is Monday, October 21. 

Within 14 days of the election (including on Election Day itself), you’ll need to visit your local clerk’s office to register to vote in person. Find your local clerk information here. “Within 14 days” of this year’s election means Tuesday, October 22 or later for the general election.