There are fewer than 50 days until Election Day, but Michiganders still have plenty of time to register to vote — including on Election Day.
Michigan's primary election took place on Tuesday, Aug. 4, as voters made the landscape clear for the November general election.
Michiganders chose a slate a candidates who are running head-to-head in the Nov. 3 election.
Michigan has about 8.3 million registered voters — 7.3 million of which are "active,"according to the Michigan Secretary of State's office.
Even if you're not currently registered to vote in November, you can still do so. Michigan law even allows potential voters to register and cast a ballot on Election Day.
Here's what you need to know.
How to register to vote in Michigan
Register in-person at your local clerk's office by obtaining
and returning a voter registration application. Along with the application, you must provide proof of residency if applying within 14 days of an election. This can be a valid Michigan ID, utility bills, credit card or banking statements, other government documents and more. Within 14 days of an election, registration has to take place in person at a local clerk's office.
You can register to vote at your local clerk's office up until polls close on Election Day, although it's smart to leave yourself some time to make it to your polling precinct if you're registering to vote on Election Day itself, or to just submit an absentee ballot at your local clerk's office.
Register online by visiting michigan.gov/vote. You can register to vote online up to 15 days before the election.
Register through the mail by printing off an application online at michigan.gov/vote, picking up an application at your local clerk's office, or by requesting your local clerk mail you an application. Voter registration applications sent through the mail must be postmarked at least 15 days before the election.
How can I find my local clerk's office?
If you're unsure where your local clerk's office is located, you can find that information at michigan.gov/vote.
Who is eligible to vote in Michigan?
To register to vote in Michigan, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen
- A Michigan resident for at least 30 days by the time you vote
- At least 17.5 years old, and be 18 by Election Day
- Not currently serving a jail or prison sentence
What do I need to show that I live in Michigan?
Proof of residency is official documentation (paper or digital) that lists a voter’s current name and address. When registering to vote within 14 days of an election, voters must present one form of proof of residency in person at a local clerk’s office. To register, you will need:
- A Michigan driver’s license, state ID, or U.S. passport
- A utility bill
- Insurance documents (health, car, home, etc.)
- A bank or credit card statement
- Financial aid or school enrollment documents
- A lease agreement
- A paycheck or other government check
- Other government document
Am I registered to vote?
Anyone unsure whether they are already registered to vote can check their registration status online at michigan.gov/vote. You also can see what will appear on your ballot.
Do I have to choose a political party to register?
No. Michigan voters do not register by party affiliation.
When is the election?
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and polls in Michigan are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Can I take a photo of my ballot?
Voters can take a picture of their own ballot in the voting booth, the Michigan Secretary of State says, but for the privacy and security of neighboring voters, voters are prohibited from holding their ballot up for a selfie and/or photo.
Voters may, however, take selfies outside of the polling location and are encouraged to do so, according to the Secretary of State website.
Free Press reporter Arpan Lobo contributed reporting.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Plan to vote in election? How to get registered before November
