Vote Absentee

Absentee voter ballots provide a convenient way to exercise one of our most cherished rights. If you are a registered voter in Michigan, you may obtain an absentee voter ballot if you are any of the following:

• age 60 or older
• expecting to be out of town on Election Day
• unable to vote without assistance at the polls
• in jail awaiting arraignment or trial
• unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons
• appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence.

Note: A person who registers to vote by mail cannot vote by absentee ballot in his or her first election. The restriction does not apply to overseas voters, voters who are handicapped or voters who are 60 or older.

Requesting an absentee voter ballot

Eligible voters can request an absentee ballot anytime now by submitting an application to your city or township clerk. Click here for an online application you can complete and print out. You can also obtain an application from your local clerk's office. To find your clerk's address, click here.

Applications for absentee ballots must be received by your clerk no later than 2 p.m. on the Saturday before the election. (That's July 31 for the 2010 Primary Election and Oct. 30 for the General Election.) If you need an absentee ballot for both the Primary and General Elections, be sure to indicate that on the form if it is an option. In some cases, you may have to apply for a separate ballot for each election.

After receiving your absentee voter ballot, you can mail or return your completed ballot at any time, but no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Emergency absentee ballot

If an emergency such as a sudden illness or family death keeps you from the polls on Election Day, you may request an emergency absentee voter ballot. Requests must be submitted after the deadline for regular absentee voter ballots but before 4 p.m. on Election Day. The emergency must have occurred at a time that made it impossible for you to apply for a regular absentee voter ballot. Your local clerk will have more information.

Spread the word!

Absentee voting is an excellent option for older voters and those whose voices might otherwise go unheard. Be sure to use the absentee voter ballot if you need to, and encourage others to do the same.

2010 IMPORTANT DATES

July 6: Last day to register to vote in the Primary Election
July 31: Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot (2 p.m.)
August 2: Absentee in-person voting for Primary Election begins
August 3: Primary Election
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

October 4: Last day to register to vote
October 30: Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot (2 p.m.)
November 1: Absentee in-person voting begins
November 2: General Election
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m