Everything you need to know about voting in Michigan

Voting—especially if it’s your first time—can seem like a daunting task. But worry not! Here’s everything you need to know to make your voice heard in the 2024 election.

Election season is upon us, Michiganders! Whether you’re a first-time voter or a seasoned vet, voting can still be confusing—but we’ve broken down all you need to know about how to vote in Michigan. Check out our voter guide below to review important dates, instructions for registering to vote (or updating your existing registration!), info for voting early or by mail, and the basics of how to navigate Election Day. There’s even an FAQ section to address everything you always wanted to know about voting but were too afraid to ask. 

Here’s how to vote in Michigan: 

THE BASICS

Michigan’s general election is Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

MUST-KNOW DATES:

September 26: Absentee ballots are available and distributed.

Tuesday, Oct. 15: Last day to request an absentee ballot online or by mail to avoid postal delays.

Monday, Oct. 21: Deadline for online and by-mail voter registration for general election—register at your clerk’s office from this point on.

Tuesday, Oct. 22: Last day to drop an absentee ballot in the mail to avoid potential delays—use a drop box or take to your clerk from this point on.

Saturday, Oct. 26: Early in-person voting begins for general election (although some locations may decide to provide additional days of early voting. Under state law, communities can offer up to 28 days of early voting, check with your local clerk for more info).

Tuesday, Nov. 5: Election Day

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Michiganders can register AND vote on Election Day at their local clerk’s office.

REGISTER TO VOTE:

Before you can vote, you’ve gotta be registered! 

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 meet these requirements: 

• Are Michigan resident
• Are at least 18 years of age by Election Day
• Are a US citizen
• Are 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. 

VOTE

You’re registered! Now it’s time to make a plan to vote. Here are your options:

EARLY VOTING:

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. 

Per the State of Michigan website, “The early voting period begins the second Saturday prior to Election Day and ends the Sunday before an election”—that’s October 26. However, state law allows Michigan locations to offer up to 28 days of early voting access. 

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

VOTING ABSENTEE/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. 

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’s office. 

• 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 county 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 your local clerk. 

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

ELECTION DAY VOTING: 

Voting in person on Election Day requires a bit of planning, but you’ll also probably get a nifty “I Voted” sticker! 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. 

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 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. 

DISTRICTS AND BALLOTS

While everyone will select from the same presidential and statewide candidates on Election Day, each  district’s ballot will also include local candidates. Do your research before arriving at the polls so you feel prepared to confidently cast your vote. Thankfully, ballot previews exist so voters know exactly what to expect when they arrive at the polls. 

To preview your personalized local ballot, head to the Michigan Voter Education Center and enter your information. You’ll be able to look at a sample ballot and carefully review each candidate or proposal well ahead of Election Day.

VOTER RIGHTS, RULES, AND FAQ

I’m a college student. Should I vote in my hometown or register with my college address?

This is a personal decision. You may either register to vote at your school address or remain registered in your home state/county. Just remember that you can only be registered to vote in one location, so be sure to update your voter registration information well in advance of Election Day. If you can’t make it home to vote and choose to remain registered in your hometown, request a mail-in or absentee ballot ahead of the appropriate deadline and return it on time so your vote is counted. 

What if I don’t have a ride to the polls on Election Day?

If you need a ride to the polls on Election Day, be sure to check your public transportation options. Some cities in Michigan offer free bus service to the polls on Election Day. Other areas are home to organizations that will help connect voters with free rides to the polls—including MoGo, which serves Metro Detroit by allowing free use of their rentable city bikes on Election Day. Check out their website for more. 

How do I know if my mail-in ballot was received?

You can track your ballot via the Michigan Voter Information Center website. 

Can I bring my kid with me into the voting booth? 

Yes. There are no rules against bringing a child into the voting booth with you. Of course, make sure your child is quiet and respectful as others vote. 

Can I take a selfie with my ballot?

Thanks to a 2019 settlement, Michigan voters are allowed to take photos of their own ballots while in the voting booth (and nowhere else at the polling place). 

What if I make a mistake on my ballot? Can I have a re-do? 

Yes, so long as you have not yet submitted your ballot. If voting in-person, simply tell the poll worker that you’d like a new ballot. They will “spoil” your first ballot by tearing it up and providing you with a new one. You cannot, however, request a new ballot once you’ve mailed in an absentee ballot or turned in your in-person ballot to be counted. 

Can I wear political gear to the polls?

Wearing buttons, hats, shirts, or other garments advertising your preferred candidates is considered “electioneering,” along with discussing your voting preferences with fellow voters at the polling location. Just don’t do it. 

What if the poll workers say I’m not eligible to vote, but I believe I am?

Ask for a provisional ballot. Per the ACLU, all voters are entitled to a provisional ballot, which will require election officials to look into your voter eligibility status after Election Day and count your ballot if you are indeed qualified. 

What is voter intimidation?

Voter intimidation is prohibited by federal law and involves the attempted interference with a person’s ability to freely vote. Examples include displaying false signage about voter requirements, impersonating a poll worker to spread false information, and aggressively questioning voters regarding their citizen or voting right status. Most states also have laws against political campaigning within a certain distance of a polling location. 

If you believe you’ve experienced voter intimidation, report it to your local election office and call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (English) or 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (Spanish). You can find more information, including hotline options for additional languages, here.

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.