You can vote absentee and no excuse is required. All Michigan voters must apply for an absentee ballot unless they are on the permanent mail ballot list.
You can vote absentee and no excuse is required. All Michigan voters must apply for an absentee ballot unless they are on the permanent mail ballot list.
An absentee ballot is a vote cast by someone unable to vote at the polls on election day.
Any registered voter can obtain an absentee ballot, regardless of the reason.
We recommend making your request to apply for an absentee ballot in person at your local city or township clerk office—within two weeks of election day—to avoid possible postal delays. You’ll be able to fill out and submit your ballot while there.
All other options to apply for an absentee ballot include:
Contact information for your clerk can be found in this voter information page.
When is the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot?
Online and mail requests for an absentee ballot must be received by your township or city clerk no later than 5:00pm the Friday before the election.
If you’re already registered at your current address, you can request an absent voter ballot in person at your clerk’s office anytime up to 4:00pm on the day prior to the election.
More information can be found at the Michigan Voter Information Center.
When do I need to submit my absentee ballot?
Your completed absentee ballot must be received by your city or township clerk by 8:00pm on Election Day. You can submit by mail, or by hand-delivering the ballot to your clerk’s office or their secure drop box. If you are returning your ballot within two weeks of election day, we recommend hand-delivering your ballot to avoid possible postal delays.
Beginning February 2024, you can also bring your absentee ballot to your early voting site or election day polling place to place into a tabulator yourself. If you decide to do so, bring your ballot in the envelope provided by the clerk, and election inspectors will assist you in tabulating your ballot.
Begin the process early by mailing in your application for an absentee ballot as soon as possible.
Can a university student who is a first time voter get an absentee ballot?
Yes. A student who lives away from their permanent address, can obtain an absentee ballot by first mailing or delivering a completed, signed application to the student’s city or township clerk.
A voter can only vote in elections in the community of his permanent address—that which is on his/her driver’s license or state-issued ID.
Download an absentee ballot application. An absentee ballot will then be sent to the student, who must properly fill it out, sign the envelope and mail or deliver it to their local city or township clerk.
Registered voters can request an absentee ballot online through the absentee voter request form before 5:00pm the Friday before the election.
Did my ballot arrive?
All registered voters can track their ballot by looking up their information.
What if I have an emergency on Election Day?
If an emergency, like a sudden illness or family death prevents you from reaching the polls on Election Day, you may request an emergency absent voter ballot. Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center website for more info.
What is the permanent mail ballot list?
Voters whose names are on the permanent mail ballot list will automatically receive an absentee ballot from their local clerk for all upcoming elections in which they are eligible to vote.
How do I know if I am on the permanent absentee voter ballot list?
Call your local city or township clerk. Locate your local clerk’s office.
How do I sign up for the permanent mail ballot list?
When submitting the absentee ballot application, voters have the option to sign up to join the permanent mail ballot list.
How do I remove myself from the permanent mail ballot list?
Voters who wish to have their name removed from the permanent mail ballot list should send a signed letter to their local clerk.
Can I still vote in person if I am on the permanent mail ballot list?
Yes. Voters who are on the permanent mail ballot list can still vote in person. They may place their absentee ballot in the tabulator or, after surrendering their absentee ballot to the election worker. They will be issued a new ballot and allowed to vote at the early voting site or polling place.