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1. Who qualifies for an absent voter ballot?

Due to the passage of the statewide ballot proposal 18-3 in November, all eligible and registered voters in Michigan may now request an absent voter ballot without providing a reason.

Check your voter registration at the Michigan Voter Information Center.

2. How do I get an absent voter ballot?

Your request for an absent voter ballot must be in writing and can be submitted to the City Clerk. You must request an absent voter ballot by mailing one of the following:

• Application
• Large print application
• Letter
• Postcard
• Pre-printed application form obtained from the City Clerk

Requests to have an absent voter ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before the election.

Once your request is received by the local clerk, your signature on the request will be checked against your voter registration record before a ballot is issued. You must be a registered voter to receive an absent voter ballot. Requests for absent voter ballots are processed immediately. Absent voter ballots may be issued to you at your home address or any address outside of your city or township of residence.

After receiving your absent voter ballot, you have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to complete the ballot and return it to the clerk's office. Your ballot will not be counted unless your signature is on the return envelope and matches your signature on file. If you received assistance voting the ballot, then the signature of the person who helped you must also be on the return envelope. Only you, a family member or person residing in your household, a mail carrier, or election official is authorized to deliver your signed absent voter ballot.

3. How can I check on the status of my absent voter ballot request?

You can check on the status of your absent voter ballot request by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 248-644-1520. Voters can obtain contact information for their clerk by using the Michigan Voter Information Center.

4. What hours are the polls open on Election Day?

The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for all elections.

5. Does Michigan allow early voting?

Michigan voters can cast absentee ballots beginning 45 days prior to Election Day. These ballots are tabulated on Election Day.

6. How does the voter ID requirement affect me if I vote with an absent voter ballot?

If obtaining your absent voter ballot in person, you will be requested to show photo ID.

If you are not in possession of photo ID, you can simply sign an affidavit stating you are not in possession of photo ID. This requirement does not apply if requesting your ballot via mail.

7. 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
• 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.

8. How do I determine where I go to vote?

The Michigan Voter Information Center can help you determine whether you are registered to vote, where you cast your ballot on Election Day. If you are not registered, you can follow the step-by-step instructions to register. You may also learn about voting equipment in your precinct, the voter identification requirement, and what you need to know if you would like to work at the polls on Election Day.

Registered Michigan voters who have moved within 60 days of the election may still vote at their previous address if they did not register to vote at their new address by the close of registration for this election.

9. How can I learn about the candidates and proposals in my area?

The Michigan Voter Information Center can help you determine what you will see on your ballot on Election Day. You may also contact the City Clerk to view a sample ballot.

10. Can I use a camera in the polls?

No, the use of video cameras, still cameras and other recording devices are prohibited in the polls when they are open for voting. This includes still cameras and other recording features built into many cell phones. The ban applies to all voters, challengers, poll watchers and election workers. Exceptions are made for credentialed members of the news media though certain restrictions remain.

11. If I register to vote by mail, do I need to be aware of any special requirements?

You must meet an identification requirement under federal law. That means you must:

• Enter your state-issued driver's license number or personal ID card number where requested on the registration form, or
• Send one of the following forms of identification when mailing this form to your county, city or township clerk:
  • A photocopy of a current and valid photo identification (such as a driver's license or personal ID card) or
  • A photocopy of a paycheck stub, utility bill, bank statement or a government document that lists your name and address.
• OR if you are unable to fulfill this requirement at the time of registration, you may provide one of the above items at the polls on election day to complete the process.

Never send an original document.

If you don't fulfill that requirement, you will be asked for an acceptable form of identification before you vote in your first election in Michigan. The identification requirement does not apply if:

• You personally hand-deliver the registration form to your county, city or township clerk's office instead of mailing the form, or,
• You are disabled, or
• You are eligible to vote under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

12. Must I vote the entire ballot?

You are not required to vote the entire ballot. You may pick and choose the races or ballot questions for which you want to vote. Skipping sections of the ballot does not invalidate your ballot.

13. Can I wear election-related clothing to the polls?

Michigan has prohibited the practice of displaying election-related materials at the polls for decades. This includes clothing and buttons as well as materials such as pamphlets, fliers and stickers. You cannot display such items in the polling place or within 100 feet of an entrance to a polling place.

If you go to the polls with a shirt or button bearing election-related images or slogans, you will be asked to cover or remove it.

14. When is the absent voter ballot due?

After receiving your absent voter ballot, you have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to complete the ballot and return it to the City Clerk’s Office. Your ballot will not be counted unless your signature is on the return envelope and matches your signature on file. If you received assistance voting the ballot, then the signature of the person who helped you must also be on the return envelope. Only you, a family member or person residing in your household, a mail carrier, or election official is authorized to deliver your signed absent voter ballot to your clerk's office.

15. May I request an Emergency Absentee Ballot?

You may make an "emergency" request for an absentee ballot if you cannot attend the polls because of:

• Personal injury or illness
• A family death or illness that requires you to leave your community for the entire time the polls are open on election day

The emergency must have occurred after 5 p.m. on Friday prior to the election. If you are requesting an emergency absentee ballot, you may have someone deliver your written request for the ballot to your city or township clerk's office before 4 p.m. on Election Day.
 
Emergency ballots must be returned to the clerk's office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.