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How to vote in Michigan

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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.

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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.

Do I have to register with a party to vote in a partisan primary election?

You are NOT required to register with a party to participate in Michigan partisan primary elections.

How do I register with a party?

Michigan does not offer voter registration by party.

How do I vote in a primary?

You may cast a ballot in Michigan primary elections in person on Election Day, in person during the early and absentee voting periods, or by absentee ballot.

You must select one party when voting in a partisan primary election.

Can I still vote in a primary election if I do not register with a party?

Michigan does not offer voter registration by party, but you must select one party when voting in a partisan primary election in order to receive the corresponding primary ballot. If you do not wish to select a party when voting, you can vote on nonpartisan contests or measures if there are any.

Registration Top Actions

Voting Top Actions

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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 Social Security number or Michigan-issued ID, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.

How can I check the status of my mail ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on Michigan’s website.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: Your completed voter registration form must contain your Michigan driver's license number or Michigan-issued personal identification card number. If you do not have a driver's license or state issued personal identification card, you must include the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not have a driver's license or a state issued personal identification card or a Social Security number, please write "NONE" on the form. A unique identifying number will be assigned by the State.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: You are NOT required to register with a party to participate in Michigan partisan primary elections.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local clerk.
  8. You are required to use the same address for your voter registration and driver’s license in Michigan. If the residence address you provide on your voter registration form differs from the address shown on your driver's license or personal identification card issued by the State of Michigan, the Secretary of State will automatically change your driver's license or personal identification card address to match the one on your registration. The Secretary of State will mail you an address update sticker for your license or personal identification card if an address change is made.
  9. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: current and valid photo identification or current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
    • More information here.

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.

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.

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.

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

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Michigan 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:
  • 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)
Voter registration is not available at your polling place on Election Day.

Can I register to vote before I turn 18?

You can register to vote in Michigan before you turn 18 if you:
  • are at least 16 years old
  • are a United States citizen
  • are a Michigan resident at the time you register
  • are a resident of the city or township in which you are applying for preregistration
  • are not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison

You must be at least 18 years old to vote.

Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register online on the Michigan Secretary of State website.
To register using the Michigan online voter registration system, you are required to provide the last four digits of your Social Security number and ONE of the following:
  • Michigan driver’s license
  • Michigan state ID number

If you don’t have a Social Security number or Michigan-issued ID, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.

Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?

Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote by mail on the Michigan Secretary of State website.
When submitting your application by mail in Michigan, you are required to provide your Michigan-issued driver’s license or state ID number. If you do not have a Michigan-issued ID, you must include the last four digits of your Social Security number.

If you have not been issued any of these numbers, check the box that indicates you do not have an ID number. You must also include a copy of one of the following forms of identification when mailings this form to your county, city, or township clerk:
  • current and valid photo identification (such as a driver’s license or state ID from any state)
  • paycheck stub, utility bill, bank statement, or a government document that lists your name and address

Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?

Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote in person on the Michigan Secretary of State website.
You can complete a voter registration application in person at any of the following public agencies in Michigan:
  • Secretary of State branch office
  • city, township, or county clerk’s office
  • any state agency that provides public assistance or services to people with disabilities

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 early?

  • Yes, Michigan offers 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. Early 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.

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.

How can I check the status of my ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on Michigan’s site.

Can I vote early?

Can I vote early?

  • Yes, early voting is offered in this election. 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. Early 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.

How do I vote by mail?

In Michigan, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local clerk.

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?

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.

How do I see what's on my ballot?

View your sample ballot on the Michigan Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.

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:
  1. 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.
  2. Send the application to your local clerk.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. 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

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.

How do I contact my state election office?