When is the presidential election?
The United States presidential election is set to take place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Michigan's polling locations will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If it is 8:00 p.m. and you are still in line, you have the right to remain until you have cast your vote.
Poll watchers and challengers are not allowed to speak to voters. If you experience a violation, the Secretary of State’s office recommends reporting it to an election worker inside of the polling location or to call the office at 1(866) 687-8683. Violations include voter intimidation, harassment and coercion.
How can I register to vote or check to see if I am already registered?
Voter registration is available:
- Online through the Secretary of State's office
- In person at your local clerk’s office or Secretary of State office
- At a registration drive
- By mailing in a voter registration application (must be postmarked 15 days before the election or earlier)
- At any state agency that provides public assistance or services to those with disabilities
- In person at your polling location on the day of the election
What are the requirements to register to vote in the state of Michigan?
To vote in the upcoming elections in Michigan you must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Be a Michigan resident
- Be 18 by the day of the election
- Not currently be serving a sentence in jail or prison
If you are registering in person, you will be required to have one of the following proofs of residency on hand:
- Driver’s license or other government issued photo ID
- U.S. Passport
- Photo ID card from an educational institution
- Military photo ID
- Tribal photo ID
- A utility bill, paystub, or bank statement with your address
- Insurance documents
- Any government documentation with your address
What is the registration deadline?
You can register to vote in Michigan through election day (November 5, 2024).
If it is 15+ days before the election, you may register online, by mail, or in person.
If it is two weeks or less before election day you can only register in person at your local clerk’s office up until 4:00 p.m. the day before the election. You may also register at the polls when you go to vote.
Additional voter registration information can be found on Michigan.gov
In what scenario would I need to update my voter registration?
You may need to update your voter registration if:
- You have recently moved to Michigan
- You have recently changed addresses
- You changed your legal name
You can update your registration status at your local clerk’s office or nearby Secretary of State office.
What is absentee voting, and how does it work?
Absentee voting is the act of voting before the day of the general election by mail. You can request an absentee ballot via an online application or through your local clerk’s office. Absentee ballots are available for request until 5:00 p.m. the Friday before the election.
If you plan to mail in your absentee ballot it is recommended to request your ballot at least two weeks before the election day to avoid any postal delays.
You are able to apply for an absentee ballot in person at your clerk’s office until 4:00 p.m. the day before the election. Using this method will require you to fill out and submit your ballot in person at the time of application.
Absentee ballot requests are now open in Michigan with ballots available as soon as September 26. More information on absentee ballot requests can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.
Some people are beginning to receive absentee voter ballot applications in the mail despite not requesting one. These are generally sent by third-party organizations and are legal. More information about these applications can be found here.
I can't vote on election day. How can I apply for an emergency absentee ballot?
Emergency absentee voter ballots are available from 4:00 p.m. the day before the election to 4:00 p.m. on election day. To qualify for one of these ballots your emergency must occur at a time where you would not otherwise have been able to get a ballot and vote. These ballots can be requested through your local clerk’s office.
Can I vote in person before election day?
Yes. Early in-person voting is open to any registered voter in the state of Michigan and provides the opportunity to vote at a polling location before election day.
2024’s official early voting will run from October 26 through November 3, however some communities will offer a full 28 days of voting. You can find your early in-person voting location and its operating times here.
How can I be sure that my early vote is secure and won’t be tampered with?
Casting your vote early, both absentee or in person, is safe and secure, according the Secretary of State's office. The state has taken multiple measures to ensure that each person’s vote remains private and singular.
- All voters are checked in at early-voting locations to make sure they are registered to vote and have not already placed a vote.
- Voting at early polling locations is performed just as a regular polling location would, with supervision and ballots being stored in secure, sealed containers.
- Results for early voting are not posted or made public until polls close.
- If a voter submits an absentee ballot and then attempts to vote at an early voting site their absentee ballot will be rejected and not counted.
Michigan’s Secretary of State website has more information regarding the legality and safety of early voting.
Is my photo ID required to vote in person?
Where can I find my polling location?
Information on your local precinct and polling location can be found here. Traditional polling locations will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on November 5, 2024.
How do I know what is going to be on my ballot before election day?
The general election encompasses voting for President of the United States, Congress, the Michigan statehouse, local county and township races and millage initiatives. Using Michigan’s ballot search you can find exactly who will be appear on your local ballot along with any initiatives.
How can I get information about elected officials on my local ballot?
The elected official search on usa.gov allows people to insert their address and find a list of every elected official that personally represents them, their websites and how to get ahold of them.
How do I know what congressional district I’m in?
Maps of Michigan’s statehouse and congressional districts can be found at Michigan.gov.
Can I still vote if I’m a felon or have a misdemeanor?
Yes. Those with felonies or misdemeanors are eligible to vote. Michigan became the first state in the county to automatically restore voting rights to released citizens.
You are still eligible to vote if:
- You are a released citizen with a felon/misdemeanor
- You are on probation, parole, or on a tether
- You are awaiting arraignment, trial, or sentencing even if you are in jail
Can I still vote if I'm currently without a permanent address?
Yes. Unhoused individuals are still able to register to vote using one of the following as an address:
- Street corners
- Parks
- Shelters
- Your advocacy/outreach center
- The home of an individual willing to accept your mail
- Any place that you regularly stay
The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness has more information on voting without a permanent address.
Is my job required to give me time off to vote?
No. Michigan law does not require employers to give their employees time off to vote, whether paid or unpaid. If your employer does not have a policy to allow voting and you are unable to make it to the polls on election day, you are able to apply for absentee voting or utilize an early polling location.
