With the November 3, 2020 General Election just around the corner, community members are encouraged to keep the following in mind:
- All registered Michigan voters have the right to vote by mail and can request an absentee ballot without providing a reason.
- Through Oct. 19, individuals can register to vote or update their voter registration status online at mi.gov/vote. Absentee ballots can also be requested online at mi.gov/vote. After Oct. 19, individuals can still register to vote or update their voter registration status in person at the East Lansing City Clerk’s office, 410 Abbot Road.
- Absentee ballots will begin to be mailed out to those who have submitted signed applications beginning Sept. 24. With support from the Michigan Secretary of State and Federal CARES Act funding, absentee ballot envelopes for the November 3, 2020 General Election will have pre-paid postage on them.
- Beginning Sept. 24, voters may also apply for a ballot and vote in person at the East Lansing City Clerk’s office, 410 Abbot Road.
- The East Lansing City Clerk's Office will have special Saturday hours to issue and receive absentee ballots for the election. The dates and hours are as follows:
- Saturday, Oct. 17: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 24: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- If returning a voted absentee ballot by mail, it is recommended that it be mailed at least two weeks prior to the election.
- Voted absentee ballots can also be dropped in the Official Ballot Drop Box (East Lansing ballots only) located in the north parking lot of East Lansing City Hall, 410 Abbot Road, or in person at the East Lansing City Clerk’s office (located inside City Hall).
- In addition to the East Lansing City Clerk’s office, a satellite office will be opening on Oct. 5 at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road. At this satellite location, East Lansing voters may also register to vote, vote early and turn in their voted ballots. The satellite location will be open Oct. 5-Nov. 3 and hours will be 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays, with expanded hours the weekend before the election and on Election Day. Hours will be 8 a.m.-4 p.m. from Oct. 31-Nov. 1 and 6 a.m.-8 p.m. on Election Day.
- Polls will be open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Election Day and voters must show a picture i.d. or sign an affidavit attesting they are not in possession of a picture i.d. before voting.
- Voters can find out where they vote and view their sample ballot at mi.gov/vote.
- Precinct 11 voters who previously voted at the Burcham Hills Retirement Community should note that their polling location has temporarily changed to the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road.
- COVID-19 safety precautions will be in place on Election Day, including the cleaning of voting booths and secrecy sleeves between voters, plexiglass dividers between voters and election workers, hand sanitizer available at all polling locations, a new pen for each voter (pens will not be reused) and masks and face shields worn by all election workers. Voters will also be asked to keep at least six feet of distance while waiting in line and are strongly encouraged to wear a mask.
- Community members can find additional election information, including contact information for the East Lansing City Clerk’s office, at www.cityofeastlansing.com/elections.
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