Campus & Student Life
Campus & Student Life

How to Vote in Michigan

► STEP 1: Verify Your Eligibility

In order to be eligible to vote in Michigan you must be:

  • A Michigan resident for at least 30 days (when you vote)
  • A United States citizen
  • At least 18 years of age (when you vote)

Are you already registered to vote in Michigan? You can check your registration status. If you think you might be registered in another state, you can look that up, too.

► STEP 2: Fill Out an Application

APPLY ONLINE (through October 24)

If you have a valid Michigan driver's license or state ID, you may apply online.

APPLY IN PERSON OR BY MAIL (through October 24)

If you do not have a valid Michigan driver's license or state ID, you will need to register in person or by mail. You can pick up a MI Voter Registration Application at the Student Life Office or download one. Filling it out is quick and easy.

1. Indentification Requirement. If you can't supply a valid Michigan driver's license or state ID number, the application will ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number. If this is not available, you can submit a copy of a valid photo identification (such as a driver’s license or state ID card from any state) or a copy of a paycheck stub, utility bill, bank statement or a government document that lists your name and address.

  • Note: The identification requirement does not apply if you personally hand-deliver the application to your city or township clerk’s office.

2. Return Your Application. You can return your MI Voter Registration Application using one of three methods.

  • Mail In. If you live on campus or in Oronoko Charter Township, mail your application (postmarked by October 24) to: Oronoko Charter Township, 4583 E. Snow Road, PO Box 214, Berrien Springs, MI 49103. Otherwise, search for your local clerk's address.
  • Drop Off. If you live on campus or in Oronoko Township, you can drop off your application in person at the Township office (directions here). Otherwise, search for directions to your local clerk's office.
  • Voter Registration Drive. You can submit your application to one of our volunteers during the campus Voter Registration Drive in early October (date to be announced soon). They will verify that your application is filled out correctly and will deliver it to the proper township or county office.

APPLYING AFTER OCTOBER 24

In Michigan you can register to vote through Election Day. However, we encourage you to do it no later than October 24. For two reasons.

  • Different Rules. From October 25 through November 8, you can only register to vote at your local clerk’s office. Additionally, you must present two documents for proof of residency (a current MI driver's license, state ID card, utility bill, credit card statement, bank statement, signed/executed lease, financial aid document, or student portal webpage) displaying your name and the current address where you want to register.
  • Delays. If you wait until Election Day to register, you may encounter long lines and wait times.

► STEP 3: The Clerk Processes Your Application

Your city or township clerk will process your application and send you a voter registration card. Keep it in your wallet or purse so you know where to go to cast your ballot. However, this card is not required to vote.

► STEP 4: You are Ready to Vote

After registering, you can either vote an absentee ballot or vote in person at your polling place on Election Day.

VOTING ABSENTEE

All registered voters in Michigan can now vote before Election Day using an absentee ballot. You don’t need an excuse or a reason.

1. Request a ballot. If you have a Michigan driver's license or state ID, you can request an absentee ballot online. Otherwise, you can download an Absent Voter Ballot Application and return it by mail or in person to your clerk. Requests for absentee ballots must be received by your clerk no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, November 4.

2. Mail or deliver your ballot. Your clerk must receive your completed absentee ballot by 8 p.m. on Election Day via the mail (send it at least 14 days in advance to ensure on-time delivery) or by dropping it off in person at the clerk's office.

  • Beginning Thursday, September 29, can apply for an absentee ballot at your City/Township Clerk's office and vote your ballot in the same visit.
  • If you register to vote on Election Day in the clerk's office, you may also request and vote an absentee ballot at that time. However, to avoid crowding and delays this is not recommended.

3. Track your ballot. You can track your ballot by looking up your voter information here.

IMPORTANT!  When voting absentee, be sure to complete your ballot correctly. If you supply an address different from the one used at registration, or write a different version of your name, or change (or print) your signature, or fail to seal the ballot inside the inner security envelope, your vote may not count. If voting by mail is your only option because of distance or health concerns, by all means, do so with care. Otherwise, voting in person is still the most direct method, allowing you to address any questions that may arise.

VOTING IN PERSON

Where do I go to vote?
If you’re registered to vote, look up your voting location here. Students registered at an Andrews campus address will vote at Precinct 3, located in the Memorial Building at the Berrien County Youth Fair.
 
When will polling places be open?
They will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Those in line at the polls by 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
 
Do I need an ID?
You will be asked to show ID when you check in to vote. If you don’t have one, you can still vote. A poll worker will ask you to sign a form before you vote that explains you didn’t have an ID. Types of ID you can use to check in are:
  • Michigan driver's license or state ID
  • Driver's license or personal identification card issued by another state
  • U.S. passport
  • Military ID with photo
  • Student identification with photo from a high school or accredited institution of higher learning
Can I wear election-related clothing to the polls?
No. Michigan prohibits the practice of displaying election-related materials at the polls. This includes hats and clothing that bear an image or slogan related to a political candidate or party, political paraphernalia such buttons, stickers and accessories, or materials like pamphlets and fliers. You cannot display such items in the polling place or within 100 feet of an entrance to a polling place.
 

 

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