⏬
Vote at home (Absentee)
You can vote from home now!
All registered voters in Michigan can vote before Election Day using what’s called an absent voter (or absentee) ballot. You can vote by absentee ballot through the mail, without leaving your home. You can submit an application for an absentee ballot online, through the mail, or in person at your local clerk's office. After voting, you can then return your absentee ballot at your local clerk's office, your city or township's secure drop box, or in your early voting site or election day polling place. We recommend using the secure drop box or a polling place 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, we recommend making your request in person at your local city or township clerk office. You’ll be able to fill out and submit your ballot while there.
- Online – Registered voters can request an absentee ballot online through an absentee voter request form before 5 p.m. the Friday before the election.
- Call your city or township clerk and ask that an application be mailed to you
- Download an application to return by mail or in person to your local city or township clerk
- In person at your local city or township clerk’s office
When is the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot?
Online and mail requests for an absentee ballot must be received by your township or city clerk no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before the election. If you’re already registered at your current address, you can request an absent voter ballot in person at your clerk’s office anytime up to 4 p.m. on the day prior to the election.
If you’re registering to vote or updating your address by appearing at your clerk’s office on Election Day, you can request an absent voter ballot at the same time you register. If you request your AV ballot the day before the election or on Election Day, you must vote the ballot in the clerk's office.
When do I need to submit my ballot?
Your completed absentee ballot must be received by your city or township clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can submit by mail, or by hand-delivering the ballot to your clerk’s office or their secure drop box. If you are returning your ballot within two weeks of election day, we recommend hand-delivering your ballot to avoid possible postal delays.
Beginning in February, you can also bring your absentee ballot to your early voting site or election day polling place to place into a tabulator yourself. If you decide to do so, bring your ballot in the envelope provided by the clerk, and election inspectors will assist you in tabulating your ballot.
Begin the process early by mailing in your application for an absentee ballot as soon as possible.