According to the Secretary of State's, Who Can Register to Vote In Michigan:
To register to vote in Michigan you must be:
- A resident of Michigan and the city or township where you are applying to register to vote for at least 30 days before election day.
- A citizen of the United State of America
- At least 18 years of age (by election day).
- Not serving a sentence in jail or prison.
Determine if you're already registered to vote in Michigan here. Register to vote in Michigan with the Secretary of State's Register to Vote Online site.
The video below outlines how to vote in Michigan. However, please note that this video was released before the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is still a good resource, you may be more interested in the absentee voting process in the box below. View the voting ballot for your precinct ahead of time on the Michigan Voter Information Center. Another option is Ballot Ready which allows you to explore what candidates and issues will be on your upcoming ballot and gives you background information on the candidates.
"How to Vote in Michigan 2020" is created by How to Vote in Every State. How to Vote In Every State is an excellent video resource on how to vote in each state in 2020.
What is the Voter ID requirement?
"When you go to the polls to cast a ballot, you will be asked to produce photo identification. The requirements are the result of a 1996 law determined to be enforceable by the Michigan Supreme Court in 2007.
The following types of photo ID are acceptable:
- Michigan driver's license or state-issued ID card
- Driver's license or personal identification card issued by another state
- Federal or state government-issued photo identification
- U.S. passport
- Military ID with photo
- Student identification with photo from a high school or accredited institution of higher learning [Your Mcard will work!]
- Tribal identification card with photo
The ID does not need your address. If you do not have photo ID or do not bring it with you to the polls, you may still vote. Simply sign an affidavit stating that you are not in possession of photo identification. Your ballot is included with all others and is counted on Election Day."
Please pay particular attention to the section where it says you do not need to bring an ID with you to the polls, you will just need to sign an affidavit, but your vote will still be counted! While you do not need an ID and should not be denied the right to vote if you don't have one, it still makes the process go smoother in some parts of the state if you have an ID with you.
If you run into any problems while voting please call the Nonpartison Election Protection Hotline: 866-687-8683.
Anyone who is eligible to vote in the state of Michigan can vote by mail. "Due to the passage of the statewide ballot proposal 18-3, all eligible and registered voters in Michigan may now request an absent voter ballot without providing a reason," (Absentee Voting Allows You to Vote by Mail). You can apply online for your Absent Voter Ballot Application. The videos below will walk you through the steps of absentee voting. View the voting ballot for your precinct ahead of time on the Michigan Voter Information Center. Another option is Ballot Ready which allows you to explore what candidates and issues will be on your upcoming ballot and gives you background information on the candidates.
