By BHN
BHN news producer, Julia Dudley Najieb, discusses voting in the state of Michigan with guest, co-host, Rina Risper, publisher of The New Citizens Press.
They discuss the steps to get registered, and if one is eligible to register to vote for the upcoming general elections, Nov. 8, 2022.
If you have a Michigan driver’s license or state ID, you can register to vote or update your registration online. Alternatively, if you want to register to vote or update your registration by mail, you may do so with a printable application form. A third option is to register in person at your clerk’s office.
There are many ways to register to vote in Michigan. You can register at any time up to 8 p.m. on Election Day, but it is better to register as soon as possible. Please read the information below to learn more.
Michigan residents wishing to register to vote, please go to this link here. Then use the Michigan Online Voter Registration System to register to vote and update your voter registration address in Michigan. To use this website, you need to have a valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID. If you don’t have one, find out how to register to vote by going to Registering To Vote.
How do I register to vote?
Voter registration is a 5-step process in Michigan. Click the links below to learn more about each step.
Note: Military and overseas civilian voters have additional options to register. Learn about military and overseas civilian voters.
Step 1: Verify you are eligible Step 2: Fill out an application Step 3: Submit your application Step 4: City/township clerk processes application Step 5: You are registered!
To be eligible to register to vote you must be:
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A Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote)
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A United States citizen
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At least 18 years of age (when you vote)
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Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison
You can register when you are 17.5 years old, but you can’t vote until you’re 18.
Proof of residency if registering within two weeks of Election: If you register within 14 days of Election Day, you must show proof of where you live. Documents must have your name and current address. You can show a digital copy of documents. Acceptable documents include:
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Michigan driver’s license or state ID
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Current utility bill
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Bank statement
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Paycheck or government check
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Other government document
Vote at home (Absentee)
One can vote from home now! Request an absentee ballot online.
All registered voters in Michigan can now vote using what’s called an absentee ballot. You don’t need an excuse or a reason. You can vote by absentee ballot through the mail, without leaving your home. You can also go to your city or township clerk’s office or drop box to return your absentee ballot, which we recommend if you are returning a ballot within two weeks of election day, in order to avoid possible postal delays.
How do I apply for an absentee ballot?
Within two weeks of election day, to avoid possible postal delays, it is recommended to make a request in person at your local city or township clerk office. You’ll be able to fill out and submit your ballot while there.
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Online – Registered voters can request an absentee ballot online through our absentee voter request form before 5 p.m. the Friday before the election.
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Call your city or township clerk and ask that an application be mailed to you
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Download an application to return by mail or in person to your local city or township clerk
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In person at your local city or township clerk’s office
What are my other options for requesting an absentee ballot?
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Call your city or township clerk and ask that an application be mailed to you
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Download an application to return by mail or in person to your local clerk or township
