The 2020 election is approaching quickly and it is important to know what options you have to place your vote for the 2020 election. This year Michigan residents can vote by voting at their local polling location or by absentee ballot. Each method of voting comes with its own set of rules.
Voting in person
Voting in person is a right of passage to some, they enjoy the pomp and circumstance of going to the poll and placing their vote. Before heading to the polls make sure you are prepared.
Register to Vote
Confirm you are registered to vote. You can check your voter registration status at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index.
Locate your polling location
Once you are registered to vote, you can look up your polling location at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index.
What to expect on election day
Once you have registered to vote or confirmed you were already registered and located your polling location it is now time to prepare yourself for election day.
You will be required to provide a valid ID.
ID types you can use to check-in are:
- Michigan driver’s license or state ID
- Driver’s license or personal identification card issued by another state
- Federal or state government-issued photo identification
- U.S. passport
- Military ID with photo
- Student identification with photo from a high school or accredited institution of higher learning
- Tribal identification card with photo
Polls are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm local time. You have the right to vote if you are in line by 8:00 pm.
Due to COVID-19, some locations may have changed. For the most up to date information regarding your polling location call your clerk.
To learn more about voting in person please visit https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/VoteInPerson/#where
Voting by Absentee Ballot
Heading to public poles during a pandemic may be too risky for some. Due to the passage of statewide ballot proposal 18-3, all eligible and registered voters in Michigan may now request an absent voter ballot without providing a reason.
To obtain your absentee ballot online
Registered voters can request an absentee ballot online through our absentee voter request form before October 30.
To obtain your absentee ballot in person
An application for an absentee ballot was mailed to every registered voter in Michigan. If you did not receive one or cannot find it, you can:
- Call your city or township clerk and ask that an application be mailed to you
- Download an application to return by mail or in-person to your local clerk or township. Download the application here https://www.michigan.gov/documents/sos/AVApp_535884_7.pdf
Requests for an absentee ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 5 pm the Friday before the election.
You can also request an absentee voter ballot in person at your clerk’s office anytime up to 4 pm on the day prior to the election; this ballot must be completed at the clerk’s office.
Submitting your absentee ballot
Option A – Your completed absentee ballot must be received by your city or township clerk by 8:00 pm on Election Day (November 3, 2020).
Option B – Hand deliver your ballot to your clerk’s office before 8:00 pm – November 3, 2020.
Did my ballot arrive?
You can check the status of your ballot by looking up their information here https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index.
Important Information regarding your absentee ballot.
- Your ballot will not be counted unless your signature is on the return envelope and matches your signature on file. If you received assistance voting the ballot, then the signature of the person who helped you must also be on the return envelope. For information about your signature on file contact your clerk’s office.
- Ballots must be received by the clerk’s office by 8:00 pm on November 3, 2020.
Hand delivering your absentee ballot is the safest way to ensure your absentee ballot has been successfully delivered to your clerk’s office. In the event that you can not hand deliver your absentee ballot consider mailing in your application as soon as possible to ensure on-time delivery.
We also encourage you to reach out to your clerk’s office for questions and more information.
For more information and full details from the Michigan Secretary of State visit https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/Index.