Michigan General Election
Last update: Oct 15, 2026 01:13 a.m. EDT
Last update: Oct 14, 2026 01:33 a.m. EDT
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Registration Summary
Michigan offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Michigan by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local clerk. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.
Voting Summary
Michigan allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. In Michigan, you can vote early in person with an absentee ballot at your local clerk's office.
19 days to Election Day!
- You can vote early in this election. Dates and times may vary by location.
- Vote by mail: request your absentee ballot online by Oct 30.
- Visit the Michigan website to find where to vote.
- You may need to show an ID when you vote in person. See the “Do I need to bring an ID?” section below to learn more.
Register to Vote
Check that you're registered to vote on Michigan's website.
If you’re not registered:
- Register online by Oct 19.
- Your by mail registration form must be postmarked by Oct 19.
How can I check the status of my mail ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Michigan’s website.
How do election officials keep voting secure?
Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.
Visit the Michigan Secretary of State website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local clerk to learn about opportunities in your area.
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Michigan's site.
Can I vote in-person absentee?
- Yes, in-person absentee voting is offered in this election. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. In-person absentee voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
- Learn more about in-person absentee voting in Michigan.
- In-person absentee voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check Michigan’s site to find where to vote absentee in person.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show current photo ID to vote in Michigan.
Acceptable forms include:
- Michigan driver's license or state ID card (may be expired)
- current (non-expired) driver's license or personal ID card issued by another state
- federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID
- US passport
- military ID card with a photo
- current student ID with a photo from an educational institution
- tribal ID card with a photo
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you can vote if you sign a form that indicates you do not have an ID.
Can I register to vote online?
- Michigan offers online voter registration. You can register to vote online up to 15 days before Election Day.
- You need a Michigan driver's license or state ID and the last four digits of your Social Security number to use Michigan's online voter registration system. If you don’t have a Michigan-issued ID, you can still register online using your Social Security number. If you don't have a Michigan-issued ID or Social Security number, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Michigan does offer early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
- In-person absentee voting is also available at your local clerk’s office. Contact your local clerk for more information about when and where to vote absentee in person.
When can I vote early?
- In Michigan, dates and times vary by where you live. Find when to vote.
Where can I vote early?
- Locations for early voting may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check Michigan's site to find where to vote early.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show current photo ID to vote in Michigan.
Acceptable forms include:
- Michigan driver's license or state ID card (may be expired)
- current (non-expired) driver's license or personal ID card issued by another state
- federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID
- US passport
- military ID card with a photo
- current student ID with a photo from an educational institution
- tribal ID card with a photo
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you can vote if you sign a form that indicates you do not have an ID.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
Yes, you can submit your voter registration application by mail using the National Voter Registration Form or the Michigan voter registration form.
Once you confirm that you’re eligible to vote, print your form and fill it out.
To complete the National Voter Registration Form, use these instructions to fill out the following fields:
Box 6 - ID Number:
To submit a voter registration application by mail in Michigan, you must provide your valid Michigan driver's license number OR state ID number, if you have one. If you do not have either of these ID numbers, you must instead provide the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If you have not been issued any of these ID numbers, indicate this on the form. Michigan will assign you a unique identification number.
If you provide an address on your voter registration form that differs from the one shown on your Michigan driver's license or state ID card, the Secretary of State will automatically change your driver's license or state ID card address to match your registration.
Box 7 - Choice of Party: You are NOT required to register with a party to participate in Michigan partisan primary elections.
Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and submit your registration application by mail, federal law requires you to provide proof of identification. Include an acceptable ID number, if you have been issued one, on your application. If you have not been issued an acceptable ID number, you must instead submit with your application a COPY of identification documentation OR show proof of identification when you vote. Acceptable forms of identification include a current and valid photo ID OR a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or government document that shows your name and address. More information about these requirements is available on the National Voter Registration Form.
- You may be exempt from federal proof of identification requirements if you are entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act or another federal law.
- Depending on your state, you may need to show additional identification when you vote, even if you meet federal identification requirements.
Once you’ve filled out all required fields on the form you selected, sign the completed form and send it to your local clerk.
If you plan to return your application through the mail, be sure to mail your voter registration application before the deadline to ensure it's timely postmarked. Keep in mind that USPS might not postmark your mail on the day it's dropped off. You can also request a manual postmark at the counter of a USPS office. Find a USPS location near you.
How do I vote by mail?
In Michigan, any registered voter can request to receive a ballot by mail. Request your absentee ballot online by Oct 30.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local clerk.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Contact your local clerk for more information about where to return your ballot in person.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
This election does offer registration on Election Day. To register on Election Day, you must visit your local clerk's office with proof of residency. Proof of residency may include a paper or digital:
- bank statement
- valid driver's license or ID
- lease
- utility bill
- credit card statement
- web page on your school's official academic portal listing your name and current address
- official school or financial aid document (e.g. a transcript, a loan statement, a FAFSA document)
- insurance document
Voter registration is not available at your polling place on Election Day.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can also register to vote in person at your local clerk's office up to and on Election Day. Within two weeks of Election Day, you must register to vote in person. Voter registration is not available at your polling place.
- Contact your local clerk to learn more.
What are key deadlines for this election?
Registration deadlines
- In-person at local election office on Election Day : Nov 3
- Online : Oct 19
- By mail (postmarked by) : Oct 19
Absentee ballot deadlines
- Request ballot (received by) : Oct 30 by 5:00 p.m. EDT
- Return ballot by mail (received by) : Nov 3 by 8:00 p.m. EST
- Return ballot in person : Nov 3 by 8:00 p.m. EST
Do I need to bring an ID to vote in person?
You will be asked to show current photo ID to vote in Michigan.
Acceptable forms include:
- Michigan driver's license or state ID card (may be expired)
- current (non-expired) driver's license or personal ID card issued by another state
- federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID
- US passport
- military ID card with a photo
- current student ID with a photo from an educational institution
- tribal ID card with a photo
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you can vote if you sign a form that indicates you do not have an ID.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View official ballot information on the Michigan Secretary of State website, if available.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you make your plan to vote. They can help you start the registration process, learn how to vote by mail, send you election reminders, and more.
Who can register to vote?
To register in Michigan you must:
- be a United States citizen
- be at least 16 years old (18 when you vote)
- be a resident of Michigan when you register
- be a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days when you vote
- not currently be serving a sentence in jail or prison
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local clerk for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local clerk may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local clerk.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local clerk.
If your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, contact your local clerk first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local clerk.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Michigan. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Michigan's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In Michigan, your local clerk runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Michigan. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local clerk.