Register to Vote in Michigan

Last updated on November 1, 2016

If you are registering for the first time, you should plan on showing “proof of identification” the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: (1) A current and valid photo identification or (2) A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that
shows your name and address.

Michigan voter registration deadlines

In Person: 21 days before Election Day.
By Mail: 30 days before Election Day.
Online: N/A

Election Day Registration:

N/A

Michigan voter registration rules

To register in Michigan you must:

be a citizen of the United States
be 18 years old by the next election
be a resident of Michigan and at least a 30 day resident of your city or township by Election Day
not be confined in a jail after being convicted and sentenced

Warning: Michigan law requires that the same address be used for voter registration and driver license purposes. Therefore, if the residence address you provide on this form differs from the address shown on a driver license or personal identification card issued by the State of Michigan, the Secretary of State will automatically change your driver license or personal identification card address to match the residence address entered on this form. 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.

Michigan voter registration directions

Use our Register to Vote Tool to fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
Sign and date your form. This is very important!
Mail or hand-deliver your completed form to the address we provide.
Make sure you register before the voter registration deadline.

Helpful voting links

State Election Website
Local Election Office: This is the government office responsible for running elections in your region. Theses are the best people to contact if you have any questions at all about voting in your state.
Find your polling place
Learn more about absentee voting
Learn more about voter ID

Frequently asked questions

Sort of. Michigan allows voters to place themselves on a 'Permanent Absentee Voter List.' Once you're on list, you'll automatically receive an Absentee Voter Application before every election. You'll still need to return the absentee ballot application to your local clerk - and you'll still need to indicate a valid reason for applying for an absentee ballot - before they'll mail you an actual absentee ballot. If you think that you'll regularly need an absentee ballot, you should absolutely add yourself to this list. Contact your local clerk to learn more..Absentee Voter Application
You must include your Michigan driver's license number or your Michigan state ID card number on your voter registration form. If you don't have either of these numbers, you'll need to include a copy of your ID with your voter registration form. Acceptable forms of ID include: a COPY of a current and valid photo identification that shows your name and Michigan OR a copy of a paycheck, utility bill, bank statement or government document that shows your name and Michigan address.NOTE: All Michigan voters must show photo ID when voting at the polls. It's best to show your Michigan driver's license or Michigan non-drivers ID card. If you don't have either of those documents, you can show a driver's license or personal ID card from another state, a US passport, a military ID, a student ID, or a tribal ID card. Your ID does not need to show your Michigan address.
- You can apply for an Emergency Absentee Ballot if you have become physically disabled or if a family death or illness requires you to leave your community for the entire time the polls are open on election day.
- Requests for Emergency Absentee Ballots must be submitted after the deadline for applying for a regular absentee ballot but before 4 p.m. on election day.
- Contact your Local Election Official if you need an Emergency Absentee Ballot.
- Emergency Absentee Ballots must be returned to the clerk's office by 8 p.m. on election day.afterbefore

Michigan voter registration deadlines

Michigan voter registration rules

Michigan voter registration directions

Helpful voting links

Frequently asked questions

Can I vote by absentee ballot on a permanent basis in Michigan

Can I vote in person before the election in Michigan

Do I need to provide ID when I register to vote in Michigan

Do I need to provide ID when I vote by absentee ballot in Michigan

I am a first-time Michigan voter. Can I vote by absentee ballot

I need an emergency absentee ballot in Michigan. What can I do

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Michigan voter registration deadlines

Michigan voter registration rules

Michigan voter registration directions

Helpful voting links

Frequently asked questions

Can I vote by absentee ballot on a permanent basis in Michigan

Can I vote in person before the election in Michigan

Do I need to provide ID when I register to vote in Michigan

Do I need to provide ID when I vote by absentee ballot in Michigan

I am a first-time Michigan voter. Can I vote by absentee ballot

I need an emergency absentee ballot in Michigan. What can I do

Jump directly to your state

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