Dear Neighbor,
As Chairman of the Senate Elections Committee, I’ve led the work in our State Legislature to reduce barriers to voting and increase access to the ballot box. Voting is one of the most fundamental rights of a functioning democracy. This election year, make sure to register and get out to vote — because your voice and your vote matter.
I want to inform you of your voting options ahead of this crucial year of elections in August and November. In this newsletter, find tips on how to update your voter registration, secure an absentee ballot, navigate new voting laws, and more.
If you ever need assistance from state government or would like to share any feedback and suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. We’re here to help.
Jeremy Moss
President Pro Tempore
State Senator, District 7
SenatorMoss.com | 517-373-7888
SenJMoss@senate.michigan.gov
Updating Your Voter Registration
Have you recently moved or changed your name since the last election? If so, you’ll need to verify or update your voter registration. You can check your voter registration information and look up your local clerk information at mi.gov/vote.
Methods and requirements for voter registration depend on the following deadlines:
- If there are 15+ days before an election, voters can register online, by mail, or in person at your local clerk’s office or Secretary of State branch.
- Within 14 days of an election, including on Election Day, voters may register by visiting their local clerk’s office to register or update information in person with proof of residency documentation.
Note: If you are updating your registration in person, state law requires you to show a picture ID or sign an affidavit attesting to your identity and that you are not currently in possession of a picture ID.
Voting by Absentee Ballot
All registered voters can vote using an absentee ballot for any reason, no questions asked. You can either sign up for the permanent absentee ballot list, meaning you will automatically be sent an absentee ballot for each election, or you can fill out an absentee ballot application for each election that you want to vote absentee and turn it in to your clerk online, by mail, or in person.
Once your absentee ballot application is received by your clerk’s office, they will then mail your absentee ballot to you. Your completed absentee ballot must be returned to your city or township clerk by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day to be counted (with exceptions for military and overseas voters). You can return your ballot by mail, hand deliver it to your clerk’s office, or you can drop it off at a local ballot drop box.
If returning by mail, it is recommended to mail back your completed absentee ballot no later than 14 days before an election to ensure it is received on time. Other options to return your ballot include dropping it off your clerk’s office, a ballot drop box or take your filled out absentee ballot directly to your polling location to tabulate your ballot in person.
To find a drop box near you, locate your local clerk’s office, track your absentee ballot, or view your sample ballot, visit mi.gov/vote.
Voter Accomodations
Michigan voter registration facilities, early voting sites, and polling locations are required to provide ADA compliant voter accommodations — including seated voting booths, Voter Assist Terminals, and more. If you or someone you know needs accommodation at the polls, it is recommended that you call your clerk’s office ahead of time.
For additional information, contact your city or township clerk or visit mi.gov/vote. Hearing impaired residents may contact the Bureau of Elections through email at elections@michigan.gov.
If you or someone you know encounters accessibility issues at the polls or when applying for an absentee ballot, it’s important that they’re promptly addressed by calling 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
One-Stop Voting Resource
Update your voter registration, find your polling place, locate your clerk’s office, request an absentee ballot, and more with the Secretary of State’s Michigan Voter Information Center. Visit mi.gov/vote or scan the QR code using your phone.