Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is reminding voters of new rights ahead of the Tuesday, May 7, election and encouraging Michiganders to take advantage of new voting opportunities thanks to the passage of Proposal 3 last November.
"The May 7 election will be the first time Michigan citizens can take advantage of the sweeping new voting rights instilled in our constitution as a result of the Promote the Vote constitutional amendment enacted last fall," Benson said. "Now any citizen can vote by mail at their convenience and register to vote up to and on Election Day at their local clerk's office. It's a new day for Michigan's democracy."
Of Michigan's 83 counties, 65 will hold elections Tuesday, May 7. To find out which communities are holding an election, visit Michigan.gov/Vote. Polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Individuals may register to vote up until 8 p.m. on Election Day. Residents who aren't registered, or need to update and address, can do so by appearing in person at their city or township clerk's office and providing proof of residency.
To register to vote, applicants must be at least 18 years old by Election Day and U.S. citizens. Applicants also must be residents of Michigan and of the city or township in which they wish to register for at least 30 days before Election Day.
All eligible and registered voters in Michigan may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason and vote early. Residents can drop off a ballot application in person at their township or city clerk's office no later than 4 p.m. Monday, May 6, and they will be given an absentee ballot that they can vote in the office.
Residents also can mail the ballot application. Requests to have a ballot mailed must be received by the clerk no later than 5 p.m. Friday, May 3. Anyone who gets an absentee ballot by mail can return it by mail or in person, but it must be received by the city or township clerk by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, (Election Day) to count. Keep in mind that USPS mail delivery standards indicate most mail can take up to a week to arrive so delivering ballot requests and voted ballots is best done in person at this point. Get an absentee ballot application at Michigan.gov/Vote.
For those communities holding an election Tuesday, May 7, city and township clerks' offices will be open this weekend to assist voters with registering to vote and voting absentee early. Office hours vary by community, so check information for a particular city or township clerk online at Michigan.gov/Vote or contact your local clerk's office directly.
For more information, download the New Rights for Michigan Voters flyer at Michigan.gov/Elections.
Published: Fri, May 03, 2019
