Election Day voting in Michigan: What to know

Planning to cast your vote on Election Day? Here’s what you need to know.

Voting in person on Election Day requires a bit of planning, but you’ll also probably get a nifty “I Voted” sticker! We’ve rounded up three things to remember when voting on Election Day.

The first thing to remember is that Michigan’s general election is Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

To vote in person, double check your polling location by visiting the Michigan Voter Education Center. Your location might be a local church, school, or other community building close to your registered address. 

CHECK REGISTRATION:

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.

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.

Remember: If it is Election Day, it’s required that you register at your local clerk’s office. Luckily, while there, you can also cast your ballot.

To be eligible to register to vote you must be:

• A Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote)
• A United States citizen
• At least 18 years of age (when you vote)
• Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison

Proof of residency:

You must show proof of where you live. Documents must have your name and current address. You can also show a digital copy of documents. Acceptable documents include:

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

HOW TO VOTE: 

Get in line and stay in line—even if you’re still in line when the polls technically close. When it’s your turn, a poll worker will ask you to provide a valid Michigan ID. If you don’t have an ID, you can still vote, but you’ll have to sign a form stating that you voted without ID. 

The volunteer worker will hand you your ballot. Take this ballot into an empty voting booth and completely fill out each bubble with the pen provided, both front and back! You’ll then place your ballot into the provided privacy sleeve and head to the tabulation machine, where you’ll simply slide the ballot (not the sleeve) into a slot. That’s it! 

WHEN TO VOTE:

Polls for the primary general election open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. local time. 

Again, if you are already in line when polls close, you have the right to vote. Stay in line.

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.