You like doing things your way, and that’s what we love about you, the perfect blend of convenience and civic duty. You want to fill out your ballot from the comfort of home, then strut your stuff as you personally deliver it to your local drop box or clerk’s office … then snap that drop box selfie and show off your voter style!

So How Do I Vote by Mail?

First things first: Make sure you’ve checked your registration status and/or are registered to vote. You can’t change the world unless you VOTE, and you can’t VOTE unless you REGISTER!

Registered? Great. Next, if you’re going to vote by mail, you must request an absentee ballot. And the good news is, you have a couple of options:

1. Online Application: You can request an absentee ballot online here by completing the online absentee ballot application.
   (or)
2. Absent Voter Ballot Paper Application: Keep reading to learn now to obtain and return your application.

Obtaining the Application

• Online: You can download and print an application here.
• Phone: You can call or email your city or township clerk and ask that an application be mailed to you if you prefer. Here’s how to find your clerk’s contact info. (if a site exists where ppl can search for their clerk, let’s have it open in a new tab)
• In Person: Swing by your local clerk’s office and let them know you would like an absent voter ballot application. You can take the application home to complete it or complete it on-site!

Returning the Application

• Mail: Return your completed absentee ballot application to your city or township clerk’s office by mail. Here’s how to find your clerk’s mailing address.
• Drop Box: Return your completed absentee ballot application to your city or township clerk using a drop box provided by your clerk.
• Email: Scan and email your completed absentee ballot application to your city or township clerk. Make sure you sign the application with your actual handwritten signature, not an electronic one!
• In Person: Visit your local city or township clerk’s office.

Then What?

You’ll receive an official ballot in the mail directly to the address where you’re officially registered to vote. If you’re not the type of person who checks your mailbox regularly … this is your reminder to CHECK YOUR MAILBOX!

Returning your absentee ballot via drop box: YES, drop boxes are a simple, secure, and super-convenient way to deliver your ballot, but always follow instructions closely!

• Be sure to SIGN AND DATE the outside return envelope before returning your ballot, then (optional!) get that ballot envelope selfie just for funsies.
• No need to buy stamps to send your ballot back. All absentee ballots include prepaid postage, cha ching. 
• And remember: You can use a drop box provided by your city or township clerk only!

Where to Next?

Drop Box: To find the nearest drop box in the city or township where you’re registered to vote, click here.
(or)
Your Local Clerk’s Office: If you prefer, you can also drop off your ballot at your local clerk’s office … which is kind of the same energy as a drop box! To find your clerk’s office, click here.

I Want to Vote Absentee FORREVERRRR!

If you for sure like voting by mail or drop box, you can get an absentee ballot for every election! Yep. Here’s how to get on the permanent absentee voter list:

1. When requesting an absentee ballot, look out for a section asking you to indicate that you want to have a ballot mailed to you before each election.
2. Check that box.
3. Return your application to your city or township clerk.
4. Guess What? Now you’re on this list! You’ll get an absentee ballot automatically each election without having to reapply. No, you shut up.

Having fun so far? Well, keep reading because, we made a handy timeline to help you make a voting plan.