Election Department FAQs

I will not be able to vote in person on Election Day.  What are my options?

1) You may vote an absentee ballot.  Pre-printed request forms and online request forms are available at www.michigan.gov/vote

2) You may vote during your community's early voting period, if offered at that election.  More information is available at www.michigan.gov/vote

How do I have my name placed on the permanent absent voter ballot list?

Permanent absent voter ballot lists are offered in every city and township. Voters on this list will automatically be sent a ballot for every election in which they are eligible to vote.  The most common way to be placed on this list is to request it on your absentee ballot application.  Contact your clerk for other options.

Is my voter registration permanent?

Yes.  However, you must re-register if you move.  Updating your Driver's License will update your voter registration.

I registered to vote but have not received my voter I.D. card -- when will I receive one?

The issuance of voter I.D. cards is a function of your city or township clerk. It would be necessary to contact your city or township clerk to determine when or if your card was mailed.

Where do I vote on Election Day?

You may determine your polling location by checking the voter I.D. card issued by your city or township clerk. If you have misplaced your card, you may call your city/ township clerk. Polling place information is available on this website by clicking on the "Polling Locations" link on our main webpage or visiting the Secretary of State's Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote.

Where do I vote during Early Voting?

Early Voting sites will likely be different than your Election Day polling location.  You may determine your Early Voting site by checking the voter I.D. card issued by your city or township clerk. If you have misplaced your card, you may call your city/ township clerk. Polling place information is available on this website by clicking on the "Early Voting" page on our navigation menu or visiting the Secretary of State's Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote.

Can I "split my ticket" in a primary election?

No. Michigan Election Law does not require you to publicly declare a political party preference before voting in state primary elections, however, you may vote only for candidates from one political party on the partisan ballot. In a state general election you may chose from candidates of any political party as well as candidates without party affiliation, commonly known as "independent candidates."

May I receive assistance when voting?

Yes. You may request assistance from the precinct board for voting assistance or by a specific person of your choice.

Under state law, when a voter asks the precinct board for voting assistance, two election inspectors who have expressed a preference for different political parties must provide the needed help. 

Under federal law, a voter who is blind, disabled or unable to read or write may be assisted with his or her ballot by any person of the voter's choice, other than the voter's employer or agent of that employer or an officer or agent of a union of which the voter belongs.

May I bring my child with me to vote?

Yes. A minor child may accompany a voter in the voting booth at an election. Anyone under the age of 18 years is regarded as a minor child under state election law.

I would like to become an election inspector (election worker), how do I get appointed?

City/township election commissions appoint election inspectors. Contact your city or township clerk and ask for an election inspector application. Election Inspectors must be registered voters in the state of Michigan.

Macomb County also recruits and trains potential Election Inspectors and assists with placement in a city/township as needed by the local clerk.  Learn more at our Election Worker Information webpage

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