Show All Answers

1. Who is eligible to vote in Michigan?

• You must be a U.S. citizen
• You must be at least 18 years of age by Election Day
• You must be a resident of the city or township where you are applying to vote
• You cannot be confined to a jail after being convicted or sentenced

2. When can I register to vote?

Eligible citizens may become registered to vote in a variety of ways, at any time through Election Day. Individuals who register to vote within the 14-day period immediately preceding an election must appear in person at their city or township clerk’s office and provide proof of residency. To get started, fill out the Voter Registration Application (PDF).

3. Where can I register?

Individuals who register to vote within the 14-day period immediately preceding an election must appear in person at their city or township clerk’s office and provide proof of residency.

Individuals using any other method must register to vote at least 15 days before Election Day and are not required to provide proof of residency. Other methods of registration include an application obtained at one of the following locations:

• Your local Secretary of State branch office
• Your local county, city or township clerk's office
• Offices of several state agencies, like the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Community Health and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
• Military recruitment centers
• Voter registration drives
• Online at www.Michigan.gov/vote

4. Can I register by mail?

Yes. To register by mail, complete the Voter Registration Application (PDF) and mail it to your local clerk.

5. Do I need to re-register for each election?

No. Registration in Michigan is permanent as long as you reside at the same address. However, whenever you move to a new city or township, you must re-register to vote.

6. How can I confirm that I am registered and my polling location?

You can check online or call the City Clerk’s office at (517) 319-6914.

7. Does the address on my Michigan Voter Registration Application have to match the address on my Michigan Driver License?

Yes. If the residence address you provide on the Voter Registration Application differs from the address on your Michigan driver license or personal identification card, the Secretary of State will automatically change your driver license or personal identification card address to match the residence address entered on the Voter Registration Application.

If an address change is made, the Secretary of State will mail you an address update sticker for your driver license or personal identification card.

8. If I have an out of state driver license, can I register to vote in the State of Michigan?

Yes. If you now reside in Michigan, you may register to vote within the jurisdiction where you currently live.

9. What should I do if I have an address or name change?

• If you move within a city or township, you must update your address through your local clerk, at a Secretary of State branch office or by mail.
• If your name changes, you must update your registration through the Secretary of State. Name changes cannot be processed through the local clerk.

10. When are the polls open on Election Day?

Polls open on Election Day at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. As long as you are in line at your correct polling location before 8 p.m., you will be allowed to vote after the polls close.

11. Do I need a picture ID to vote at the polls?

Yes. Every Michigan voter who offers to vote at the polls must show picture identification or sign an affidavit attesting that they are not in possession of picture identification. A ballot cannot be issued to a voter unless the voter displays picture identification or signs the affidavit.