Election administration in Michigan

Election Information
Voter registration
Early voting
Absentee/mail-in voting
All-mail voting
Voter ID laws
State poll opening and closing times
Ballotpedia's Election Administration Legislation Tracker
The Ballot Bulletin
Select a state from the menu below to learn more about its election administration.
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingSubmit

Election administration encompasses a state's voting policies and methods of enforcing them. These include voter identification requirements, early and absentee voting provisions, voter list maintenance methods, and more. Each state's voting policies dictate who can vote and under what conditions.

THE BASICS

Michigan permits online voter registration.

Michigan permits early voting.

Michigan permits no-excuse absentee voting.

In Michigan, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Michigan voters are asked to provide photo identification at the polls. If a voter cannot provide photo ID, he or she must sign an affidavit before casting a regular ballot.

Michigan holds open primary elections.

Michigan has tools for verifying voter registration and checking the status of absentee ballots.

Below, you will find details on the following election administration topics in Michigan:

• Poll times
• Voter registration
• Early and absentee/mail-in voting policy
• Voter identification requirements
• Provisional ballot rules
• Primary election type
• Time off work for voting
• Voting rules for people convicted of a felony

• Voter list maintenance
• Post-election auditing
• Election policy ballot measures
• Election policy legislation
• Ballot access
• Redistricting
• Election administration agencies

Poll times

See also: State poll opening and closing times

In Michigan, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. Most of the state is observes Eastern Time, while several counties observe Central Time. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote.

Voter registration

Check your voter registration status here.

To vote in Michigan, you must be a United States citizen and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days. Voters must be at least 18 years old by Election Day.

Voters may register to vote online, by mail, or in person at clerk's offices in their county, city, or township or at a state department branch office at least 15 days before an election.

Same-day registration is available on Election Day and during the 14 days prior. "Individuals who register to vote within the 14-day period immediately preceding an election must appear in person at their city or township clerk’s office and provide proof of residency." Acceptable documents for proving residency include:

• Michigan driver’s license or State ID card
• Current utility bill
• Bank statement
• Paycheck or government check
• Other government document

Automatic registration

Michigan automatically registers eligible individuals to vote when they apply for or update a driver’s license or personal identification card.

Online registration

See also: Online voter registration

Michigan has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting this website.

Same-day registration

Michigan allows same-day voter registration.

Residency requirements

Michigan law requires 30 days of residency in the state before a person may vote.

Verification of citizenship

See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States

Michigan does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration.

Verifying your registration

This page, administered by the Michigan Department of State, allows residents to check their voter registration status online.

Early and absentee voting policy

Early voting

See also: Early voting

Michigan permits early voting in the form of in-person absentee voting at election clerk offices during the 40 days before an election. For more information, click here.

Absentee voting

See also: Absentee voting

Any Michigan voter can cast an absentee ballot. To vote absentee, a request must be received online or by mail no later than 5 p.m. on the Friday before the election. In person requests can be made until 4 p.m. on the day before Election Day. Completed absentee ballots must then be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Returning absentee ballots

See also: Mail ballot collection and return laws by state

Michigan voters can return their absentee ballot to their local clerk’s office in person or by mail. Only a voter’s immediate family member or a member of the voter’s household can deliver an absentee ballot on a voter’s behalf. Absentee ballots that reach a local clerk’s office after the polls have closed on Election Day will not be counted.

Signature requirements and cure provisions

Senate Bill 370 was signed into law on July 19, 2023, establishing Michigan's cure provision. In Michigan, absentee ballots include a return envelope printed with a statement that must be signed by the voter. If a voter was unable to mark their own ballot and received assistance in doing so, the person assisting the voter must also have signed the envelope. Election officials compare the voter’s signature on the envelope with the voter’s signature on file. If an absentee ballot is missing a required signature or if it is determined that the voter’s signature on the ballot does not match the signature on record, the clerk is required to notify the voter and provide them until 5 p.m. on the third day following the election to cure or remedy the issue.

Was your absentee ballot counted?

Michigan voters can use the Michigan Voter Information Center website provided by the Michigan Secretary of State to check the status of their absentee ballot.

Voter identification requirements

See also: Voter ID in Michigan

See also: Voter identification laws by state

Michigan requires voters to present photo identification while voting.

The following list of accepted ID was current as of July 2023. Click here for the Michigan Secretary of State page on accepted ID to ensure you have the most current information.

• Michigan driver’s license
• Michigan personal identification card
• Current driver’s license or personal ID card issued by another state
• Current operator's or chauffeur's license
• Current federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID
• Current U.S. passport
• Current military identification card with photo
• Current student identification with photo from an educational institution
• Current tribal identification card with photo.

A voter who does not have an acceptable form of identification can cast a ballot by signing an affidavit.

Voters can obtain a state identification card at a secretary of state branch office for $10. Voters over the age of 65, voters who are blind, and voters whose driving privileges have been terminated due to a physical or mental disability can obtain an identification card for free. Additionally, voters who can present a reason for having the fee waived may also obtain an ID for free. Visit the Michigan secretary of state’s page or call (888) SOS-MICH (767-6424) for more information.

Background

As of August 2023, 34 states required voters to present identification in order to vote at the polls on Election Day. Of these states, 23 required voters to present identification containing a photograph, and 11 accepted other forms of identification. The remaining 16 states did not require voters to present identification in order to vote at the polls on Election Day. Valid forms of identification differ by state. Commonly accepted forms include driver's licenses, state-issued identification cards, and military identification cards.

Provisional ballot rules

Voters in Michigan are given provisional ballots, or ballots requiring additional steps or information before they can be counted, under the following circumstances.

(1) If the voter’s name does not appear on the list at the polling place, the voter has the right to cast a provisional ballot.

(2) If the voter is at the wrong polling location, the voter has the right to cast a provisional ballot.

(3) If the voter is voting for the first time and is unable to provide a valid form of identification, the voter has the right to cast a provisional ballot.

Was your provisional ballot counted?

"If election officials can verify that you are registered to vote in the appropriate jurisdiction, your provisional ballot will count," according to the Michigan Department of State Bureau of Elections.

A provisional ballot is rejected if the voter is not registered to vote or failed to provide proper identification and proof of residency.

Voters have until six calendar days after the election to provide appropriate identification documentation to the city or township clerk. There are two different types of required documentation.

Documents that satisfy federal voter identification requirements imposed on first-time mail registrants who have never previously voted in Michigan are:

• A copy of any current and valid picture identification
• A copy of a paycheck, government check, utility bill, bank statement or a government document which lists your name and address

Documents that satisfy Michigan voter identification requirements imposed on all voters must be presented in person at the city or township clerk's office. Those documents are:

• A Michigan Driver License
• A Michigan Personal Identification Card
• Driver's license or personal identification card issued by another state
• Federal or state-government issued picture identification
• U.S. passport
• Military identification card with a picture
• Student identification with a picture from a high school of an accredited institution of higher education
• Tribal identification with a picture

Local election officials

---

Do you need information about elections in your area? Are you looking for your local election official? Click here to visit the U.S. Vote Foundation and use their election official lookup tool.

---

Primary election type

See also: Primary elections in Michigan

A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Michigan utilizes an open primary system, in which registered voters do not have to be members of a party to vote in that party's primary.

Time off work for voting

Ballotpedia did not find a law specifying whether voters must be given time off from work to vote in this state. Nolo.com notes that states without such state laws may have administrative regulations or local ordinances pertaining to time off for voting and suggests calling your local board of elections or state labor department for more information.

If you know of a relevant policy in this state, please email us. As of 2020, 28 states had laws requiring employers to provide time off for voting under certain conditions.

Voting rules for people convicted of a felony

See also: Voting rights for convicted felons

In Michigan, people convicted of a felony that are in prison are not eligible to vote. Upon completion of their prison time, voting rights are automatically restored.

Voting rights for people convicted of a felony vary from state to state. In the majority of states, people convicted of a felony cannot vote while they are incarcerated but may regain the right to vote upon release from prison or at some point thereafter.

Voter list maintenance

All states have rules under which they maintain voter rolls—or, check and remove certain names from their lists of registered voters. Most states are subject to the parameters set by The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). The NVRA requires states to make efforts to remove deceased individuals and individuals who have become ineligible due to a change of address. It prohibits removing registrants from voter lists within 90 days of a federal election due to change of address unless a registrant has requested to be removed, or from removing people from voter lists solely because they have not voted. The NVRA says that states may remove names from their registration lists under certain other circumstances and that their methods for removing names must be uniform and nondiscriminatory.

When names can be removed from the voter list

Michigan law authorizes election officials to remove the names of voters from the registered voting list if an individual:

• dies
• requests in writing to be removed
• confirms in writing that they have moved outside of their voting jurisdiction
• remains in inactive status through two federal general elections.

Inactive voter list rules

If a voter is determined to have moved based on National Change of Address data or other statewide data, election officials are to send them an address confirmation notice. If no response is received, they are designated as inactive. If the voter remains in inactive status through two general elections - by failing to vote or update their address information - election officials are to remove their name from the list of registered voters. A voter may also be designated as inactive if they do not vote for six consecutive years. Inactive voters are eligible to vote under Michigan law. Inactive voters can be restored to active status by voting or updating their registration information.

The Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)

See also: Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)

According to its website, ERIC is a nonprofit corporation that is governed by a board of member-states. These member states submit voter registration and motor vehicle registration information to ERIC. ERIC uses this information, as well as Social Security death records, to provide member states with detailed reports showing voters who have moved within their state, moved out of their state, died, have duplicate registrations in their state, or are potentially eligible to vote but are not yet registered. ERIC's website describes its funding as follows: "Each state pays annual dues, which are determined by a formula approved by the ERIC membership. The formula includes a state's citizen voting age population as a factor."

By 2022, 33 states and the District of Columbia had joined ERIC. As of August 2023, 26 states and the District of Columbia were members in the ERIC program.

As of August 2023, Michigan was participating in the ERIC program.

Post-election auditing

Michigan state law requires post-election audits. Counties and state-level election staff conduct an extensive procedural audit. The audit "is required to include an audit of the results in at least 1 race in each precinct randomly selected for audit and at least 1 statewide race or ballot question for statewide elections. The audit reviews procedures performed before, during, and after the conduct of an election," according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Discrepancies found during the auditing process are used to develop training for future elections. The audit must be completed after the canvass. The audit does not change any certified election results.

Post-election audits check that election results tallied by a state's voting system match results from paper records, such as paper ballots filled out by voters or the paper records produced by electronic voting machines. Post-election audits are classified into two categories: audits of election results—which include traditional post-election audits as well as risk-limiting audits—and procedural audits.

Typically, traditional post-election audits are done by recounting a portion of ballots, either electronically or by hand, and comparing the results to those produced by the state's voting system. In contrast, risk-limiting audits use statistical methods to compare a random sample of votes cast to election results instead of reviewing every ballot. The scope of procedural audits varies by state, but they typically include a systematic review of voting equipment, performance of the voting system, vote totals, duties of election officials and workers, ballot chain of custody, and more.

As of December 2023, 41 states and the District of Columbia required some form of post-election audit. Of these, 36 states and the District of Columbia required traditional post-election audits, three states required risk-limiting post-election audits, and two states required procedural post-election audits.

Noteworthy events

Proposal 2 adds new election rules to state constitution (2022)

See also: Michigan Proposal 2, Voting Policies in Constitution Amendment (2022)

Proposal 2 added several voting and election policies to the Michigan Constitution. As of 2022, Article II, Section 4(a) of the Michigan Constitution provided voters with specific election-related rights. Proposal 3, which voters approved in 2018, added these rights. Proposal 2 added language regarding additional voting-related rights and provided citizens standing to bring legal actions to enforce these in circuit court. A detailed list of the initiative's provisions is found here.

Some of the policies Proposal 2 added to the Michigan Constitution were new, such as early voting. Others existed as state statute and were codified as constitutional law, such as the state's requirement that voters show identification or sign an affidavit when voting in person.

The ballot summary was as follows:

“

This proposed constitutional amendment would: Recognize fundamental right to vote without harassing conduct; Require military or overseas ballots be counted if postmarked by election day; Provide voter right to verify identity with photo ID or signed statement; Provide voter right to single application to vote absentee in all elections; Require state-funded absentee-ballot drop boxes, and postage for absentee applications and ballots; Provide that only election officials may conduct post-election audits; Require nine days of early in-person voting; Allow donations to fund elections, which must be disclosed; Require canvass boards certify election results based only on the official records of votes cast.

”

As provisions of the Michigan Constitution, legislators can not repeal or amend these policies without first passing a constitutional amendment, which would require voter approval.

Court invalidated 2020 mail-in ballot signature verification rule (2021)

On March 9, 2021, Michigan Court of Claims Judge Christopher Murray invalidated an absentee/mail-in ballot rule instituted by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) in the run-up to the November 3, 2020, general election. Murray held that Benson's rule, which directed local clerks to presume validity when verifying signatures on absentee/mail-in ballot applications and return envelopes, had been issued in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act (APA).

Benson's guidance, issued on October 6, 2020, directed local clerks to treat signatures as valid if there were "any redeeming qualities in the application or return envelope signature as compared to the signature on file." "Redeeming qualities" were described as including, but not being limited to, "similar distinctive flourishes" and "more matching features than non-matching features." Allegan County Clerk Robert Genetski and the Republican Party of Michigan filed suit against Benson, alleging that her guidance violated the state's election laws and the Administrative Procedures Act. The plaintiffs asked that the court strike down the guidance as unlawful and enjoin its enforcement in future elections.

Murray sided with the plaintiffs, finding that Benson's guidance was in fact a rule "that should have been promulgated in accordance with the APA. And absent compliance with the APA, the 'rule' is invalid." Under the Administrative Procedures Act, a state agency is required to follow formal rulemaking procedures (e.g., when establishing policies that "do not merely interpret or explain the statute of rules from which the agency derives its authority," but rather "establish the substantive standards implementing the program."

As of March 18, 2021, It was unclear whether the state would appeal Murray's decision.

Election policy ballot measures

See also: Elections and campaigns on the ballot and List of Michigan ballot measures

Ballotpedia has tracked the following ballot measures relating to election and campaign policy in Michigan.

1. Michigan Proposal No. 1, Minimum Voting Age Amendment (1966)
2. Michigan Proposal No. 5, Election of State Legislators to New Offices Amendment (1968)
3. Michigan Proposal B, Minimum Voting Age Amendment (1970)
4. Michigan Repeal Straight-Ticket Voting Referendum (1964)
5. Michigan Proposal 02-1, Elimination of Straight Party Ticket Option Referendum (2002)
6. Michigan Proposal No. 5, Residency Requirements and Township Polling Places Amendment (1932)
7. Michigan Proposal No. 7, Voter Qualifications for Expenditure and Bonds Amendment (1932)
8. Michigan Proposal No. 1, Non-Partisan Judicial Elections Initiative (1934)
9. Michigan Proposal No. 1, Contested and Tie Vote Elections Amendment (April 1935)
10. Michigan Proposal No. 1, Non-Partisan Judicial Elections Initiative (April 1939)
11. Michigan Proposal No. 2, Legislators' Eligibility for Other Offices Amendment (1944)
12. Michigan Qualifications of Electors Amendment (1894)
13. Michigan Elections in the Upper Peninsula, Proposal 4 (1862)
14. Michigan National Popular Vote Interstate Compact Initiative (2024)
15. Michigan Decertify 2020 Election Initiative (2024)
16. Michigan Proposal No. 1, Procedures for Filing Judicial Offices Amendment (April 1955)
17. Michigan Proposal No. 4, Board of State Canvassers Amendment (April 1955)
18. Michigan Proposal 2, Voting Policies in Constitution Amendment (2022)
19. Michigan Township Officer Elections Amendment (1930)
20. Michigan Qualifications for Electors Amendment (1920)
21. Michigan Proposal No. 1, Election of Township Officers Amendment (April 1943)
22. Michigan Absentee Voter Qualifications Amendment (April 1917)
23. Michigan Circuit Court Districts and Elections Amendment (April 1895)

Recent legislation related to election administration in Michigan

The table below lists bills related to election administration that have been introduced during (or carried over to) the current legislative session in Michigan. The following information is included for each bill:

• State
• Bill number
• Official name or caption
• Most recent action date
• Legislative status
• Topics dealt with by the bill

Bills are organized alphabetically, first by state and then by bill number. The table displays up to 100 results by default. To view additional results, use the arrows in the upper-right corner of the table. For more information about a particular bill, click the bill number. This will open a separate page with additional information.

Ballotpedia's Election Administration Legislation Tracker

State election laws are changing. Keeping track of the latest developments in all 50 states can seem like an impossible job.

Here's the solution: Ballotpedia's Election Administration Legislation Tracker.

Ballotpedia's Election Administration Tracker sets the industry standard for ease of use, flexibility, and raw power. But that's just the beginning of what it can do:

• Ballotpedia's election experts provide daily updates on bills and other relevant political developments
• We translate complex bill text into easy-to-understand summaries written in everyday language
• And because it's from Ballotpedia, our Tracker is guaranteed to be neutral, unbiased, and nonpartisan

The Ballot Bulletin

The Ballot Bulletin is a weekly email that delivers the latest updates on election policy. The Ballot Bulletin tracks developments in election policy around the country, including legislative activity, big-picture trends, and recent news. Each email contains in-depth data from our Election Administration Legislation Tracker. You'll also be able to track relevant legislation, with links to and summaries of the bills themselves.

Click here to view recent issues and subscribe.

Ballot access

See also: Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Michigan

A cardboard ballot box at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

In order to get on the ballot in Michigan, a candidate for state or federal office must meet a variety of state-specific filing requirements and deadlines. These regulations, known as ballot access laws, determine whether a candidate or party will appear on an election ballot. These laws are set at the state level. A candidate must prepare to meet ballot access requirements well in advance of primaries, caucuses, and the general election.

There are three basic methods by which an individual may become a candidate for office in a state.

1. An individual can seek the nomination of a state-recognized political party.
2. An individual can run as an independent. Independent candidates often must petition in order to have their names printed on the general election ballot.
3. An individual can run as a write-in candidate.

This article outlines the steps that prospective candidates for state-level and congressional office must take in order to run for office in Michigan. For information about filing requirements for presidential candidates, see "Ballot access requirements for presidential candidates in Michigan." Information about filing requirements for local-level offices is not available in this article (contact state election agencies for information about local candidate filing processes).

Redistricting

See also: Redistricting in Michigan

"Gerrymandering"

Redistricting is the process by which new congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn. Each of Michigan's 14 United States Representatives and 148 state legislators are elected from political divisions called districts. United States Senators are not elected by districts, but by the states at large. District lines are redrawn every 10 years following completion of the United States census. The federal government stipulates that districts must have nearly equal populations and must not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity.

Michigan was apportioned 13 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives after the 2020 census, one fewer than it received after the 2010 census. Click here for more information about redistricting in Michigan after the 2020 census.

HIGHLIGHTS

Following the 2020 United States Census, Michigan was apportioned 13 congressional districts, one less than the number it had after the 2010 census.

Michigan's House of Representatives is made up of 110 districts; Michigan's State Senate is made up of 38 districts.

In Michigan, a non-politician commission is responsible for drawing both congressional and state legislative district maps.

State process

See also: State-by-state redistricting procedures

In Michigan, a non-politician commission is responsible for drawing both congressional and state legislative district plans. The commission comprises 13 members, including four Democrats, four Republicans, and five unaffiliated voters or members of minor parties. In order for a map to be enacted, at least seven members must vote for it, including at least two Democrats, two Republicans, and two members not affiliated with either major party.

The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission prepared this document specifically explaining the redistricting process after the 2020 census.

Election administration agencies

Election agencies

Seal of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission

See also: State election agencies

Individuals seeking additional information about voting provisions in Michigan can contact the following local, state, and federal agencies.

Michigan County Clerks

Click here for a list

Michigan Secretary of State: Bureau of Elections

Physical address: 430 W. Allegan St., Lansing, Michigan 48918

Mailing address: PO Box 20126, Lansing, Michigan 48901-0726

Telephone: 517-335-3234

Tollfree: 800-292-5973

Fax: 517-335-3235

Website: https://www.michigan.gov/sos

U.S. Election Assistance Commission

1335 East West Highway, Suite 4300

Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

Telephone: 866-747-1471

Ballotpedia's election coverage

Click the tiles below to navigate to 2023 election coverage, or use the map below:

U.S. Congress special elections

Governors

Attorney general

Other state executives

State legislatures

State ballot measures

Local ballot measures

State judges

Local judges

Municipal government

School boards

Recall

Democratic primaries 2024

• United States Senate Democratic Party primaries, 2024
• United States House Democratic Party primaries, 2024
• Democratic Party gubernatorial primaries, 2024
• Democratic Party Secretary of State primaries, 2024
• Democratic Party Attorney General primaries, 2024
• State legislative Democratic primaries, 2024

Republican primaries 2024

• United States Senate Republican Party primaries, 2024
• United States House Republican Party primaries, 2024
• Republican Party gubernatorial primaries, 2024
• Republican Party Secretary of State primaries, 2024
• Republican Party Attorney General primaries, 2024
• State legislative Republican primaries, 2024

See also

• 2024 election dates and deadlines
• Voting in Michigan
• Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Michigan
• Redistricting in Michigan

Elections in Michigan

• Michigan elections, 2023
• Michigan elections, 2022
• Michigan elections, 2021
• Michigan elections, 2020
• Michigan elections, 2019
• Michigan elections, 2018
• Michigan elections, 2017
• Michigan elections, 2016
• Michigan elections, 2015
• Michigan elections, 2014

External links

• Michigan Secretary of State - Elections