Early voting in Michigan: When, where, and how

Want to cast your ballot before Election Day? It’s easy! Here’s how to do it.

One of the most often-heard arguments when it comes to people not voting is that people simply don’t have time to do it. In fact, a 2022 survey found that more than a third of young voters said they forgot or were too busy to vote during that year’s midterm elections.

Luckily, here in Michigan there are ways to get your vote in well ahead of Election Day.

In this article, we’ll talk about the two methods you can use to make your voice heard early.

Absentee voting

In 2018, Michigan voters passed a constitutional amendment that expanded voting rights in the state.

Among those expanded rights was no-reason absentee voting, also known as voting by mail.

All registered Michigan voters have the right to vote by mail—you don’t have to provide a reason or prove that you’ll be out of town. Simply preferring to vote by mail is reason enough.

Voting by mail became even more convenient in 2022 after voters passed Proposal 2, which created a permanent mail ballot list—allowing voters who signed up to receive a ballot by mail automatically before each election.

Data shows voters in Michigan put these new rights to good use. According to the Michigan Secretary of State, absentee voter ballot request data showed that 1,287,265 Michiganders requested an absentee ballot three weeks before 2024’s presidential primary, compared to the 713,465 Michiganders that had requested absentee ballots three weeks before the 2020 presidential primary.

Absentee ballots are available and distributed beginning 40 days before the election (September 26). To register as an absentee voter, apply online, by mail, or in person at your local clerk. 

• Online applications can be submitted until 5 p.m. on the Friday prior to Election Day—that’s Nov. 1 for the general election—though voters registering online are strongly encouraged to apply at least 15 days prior to Election Day. You’ll need a valid driver’s license or Michigan ID to register online as an absentee voter. Your absentee ballot will be mailed to you. 
• In-person applications must be completed before 4 p.m. the day before Election Day for voters who are already registered. However, if you’re registering at a new address or for the first time, you can register and apply for an absentee ballot until 8 p.m. on Election Day. In-person applicants can receive, complete, and submit their absentee ballots immediately on-site or take their ballots home to complete and return later. 
• Mailed applications must be received by the clerk by 5 p.m. the Friday before Election Day. Like online applications, voters are strongly encouraged to send back completed absentee applications at least 15 days before the election. Your absentee ballot will be mailed to you. 

After filling out your absentee ballot, place it in the provided secrecy sleeve and sign it in the specified spot. To return, either drop it off in person or mail it to the clerk. All cities and townships are constitutionally required to have at least one drop box available  24/7 during the 40 days prior to an election, up to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

To find a drop box near you, head here.

Ballots must be received by the clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day. An exception: overseas and military ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and arrive at the clerk within six days after Election Day.

Are you ready to vote? Make sure to check your voter registration status, see who’s on your ballot, and make a voting plan here.

Early in-person voting

Let’s say, for whatever reason, you’d rather cast your ballot in person. No problem!

Early voting allows voters to vote ahead of time at a polling place, much like they would on Election Day. This differs from absentee voting in that voters physically show up to a polling site, enter a voting booth, and fill out their ballots in person—odds are, it’ll be much less crowded than on Election Day.

Per the State of Michigan website, the early voting period begins the second Saturday prior to Election Day—that’s October 26—and ends the Sunday before an election. However, state law allows Michigan locations to offer up to 28 days of early voting access (check with your local clerk if this is an option in your area). Communities are required to offer early voting in each statewide and federal election for at least nine consecutive days for at least eight hours each day.

To find early voting locations and dates in Michigan, click here.