You’ve got style, and it’s all about convenience. You want to take your time filling out a ballot without leaving the comfort of your home, then when you’re done, you’ll stroll right to your mailbox and let the USPS take it from there. And guess what? Any reason is officially a valid reason to vote absentee in the state of Michigan. Now who says you can’t do your democratic duty right from the comfort of home?

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.
• 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 U.S. mail: You guessed it …you drop it right into your regular mailbox. Always follow instructions closely! Be sure to SIGN AND DATE the outside return envelope before returning your ballot, and then (optional!) get that ballot envelope selfie just for funsies. P.S.: No need to buy stamps to send your ballot back! All absentee ballots include prepaid postage, cha-ching!

Tracking your mail ballot: You can track the status of your absentee ballot here by clicking on “Your voter information.”

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.

Important Details

• One month before election day is the ideal time to request your absentee ballot. Or better yet, ASAP. No, seriously, like right now.
• By 8 p.m. on election day (in most cases) your ballot must be received by your city or township clerk. So put your ballot in the mail no later than two weeks prior to election day. The sooner the better.
• Missed the mailing deadline? Never fear … you can still be a Drop Box Voter, an Early In Person Voter, or an Election Day Voter!

If all else fails or you just want to know more about how to register and vote in Michigan,
call 1-866-OUR-VOTE and a trained Michigan volunteer will help you out.