Good To Know – Election Addition

Make a Plan for the Election Day

The Michigan midterm election is coming up, don’t let Nov. 6 take you by surprise. Start a plan now by asking yourself the following questions:

1. Am I registered?

You must be registered at least 30 days before the election, so unfortunately, if you are not registered now, you will not be able to vote. Verify your voter registration before you get to the polls by typing in your information here.

2. How do I want to vote?

There are two ways you can vote for the election on Nov. 6: in person or by requesting an absentee ballot. Find out which way works best for you:

• Voting in person: If you are a first time voter, you MUST vote in person. If you vote in person, make sure to arrive at your polling location between 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. You must show a valid photo ID to vote. Valid identification includes:
  • Michigan driver’s license or a Michigan personal ID card
  • Driver’s license or personal ID card issued by another state
  • Federal or state government-issued photo ID
  • U.S. passport
  • Military identification card with photo
  • Student identification with photo from a high school or an accredited institution of higher education
  • Tribal identification card with photo

If you do not have any of the above forms of ID, you can request to sign an affidavit attesting that you do not possess a photo ID.

• Voting with an absentee ballot: This means your ballot will be mailed to your home ahead of the election. To vote absentee you must fit ONE of these qualifications:
  • Age 60 or older
  • Unable to vote without assistance at the polls
  • Expect to be out of town on Election Day
  • In jail awaiting arraignment or trial
  • Unable to attend the polls because of religious reasons
  • Appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence

3. Are you prepared to vote?

Now that you know how you want to vote, make sure you are prepared.

• Voting in person: find your polling place ahead of time here
• Requesting an absentee ballot: if you choose to vote absentee, you must request a ballot before 2 p.m. on Nov. 3 (the Saturday before the election.) To request an absentee ballot, fill out this form and mail it to your city clerk. The city clerk will then send you your absentee ballot. When you receive your absentee ballot, fill it out and mail it back. Your ballot must be returned before the polls close on election day.
  • For additional details on absentee voting, click here

4. What am I voting for?

Now that you are prepared to vote, start your research on what you will be voting on. You can do this by viewing your ballot ahead of time. Click here, type in your address and view your ballot. It even gives a summary of each candidate!