Michigan

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in Michigan by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on the Michigan Online Voter Registration website.
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the Michigan Department of State website, picking up a paper form at your local elections office, or completing a request to receive a form through the mail. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• In person: Visit an office where elections are administered in your area and register there in person.
• On Election Day: Michigan has same-day voter registration. You’ll be able to complete a voter registration form at your polling place.

The application is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Dari Farsi, and Korean.

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, or in-person. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in Michigan varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

You will need to show proof of where you live. Documents must have your name and current address and can be a digital copy. Acceptable documents include: Michigan driver's license or State ID card, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government check, or other government document.

Registering to vote by mail

Your completed voter registration form must contain your state issued driver's license number or state issued personal identification card number. If you do not have a driver's license or state issued personal identification card, you must include the last four digits of your social security number. If you do not have a driver's license or a state issued personal identification card or a social security number, please write 'NONE' on the form. A unique identifying number will be assigned by the State. If a voter possesses a Michigan driver license (DL) or personal ID (PID), Michigan law requires the same address be used for voter registration and DL/PID purposes. Use of this form will also change your DL/PID address. The Secretary of State will mail you a new address sticker for your DL/PID.

Registering to vote online

You will need your valid Michigan driver's license or state ID.

If you’re under the age of 18, you may still be eligible to register to vote! If you can pre-register, you’ll need the following documents:

Pre-registering to vote in an election office 

You will need to show proof of where you live. Documents must have your name and current address and can be a digital copy. Acceptable documents include: Michigan driver's license or State ID card, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government check, or other government document.

Pre-registering to vote by mail

Your completed voter registration form must contain your state issued driver's license number or state issued personal identification card number. If you do not have a driver's license or state issued personal identification card, you must include the last four digits of your social security number. If you do not have a driver's license or a state issued personal identification card or a social security number, please write 'NONE' on the form. A unique identifying number will be assigned by the State. If a voter possesses a Michigan driver license (DL) or personal ID (PID), Michigan law requires the same address be used for voter registration and DL/PID purposes. Use of this form will also change your DL/PID address. The Secretary of State will mail you a new address sticker for your DL/PID.

Pre-registering to vote online

You will need your valid Michigan driver's license or state ID.

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org. 

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of Michigan can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit (state’s) voter registration page on their Secretary of State website. 
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

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• Received in-person by: {{ deadline_voter_registration_in_person }}
• Submitted online by: {{ deadline_online_voter_registration }}

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes, Michigan has same-day voter registration. If you are unable to register by the online or mail deadline, you may register to vote at a polling place. You will be able to cast your ballot immediately after completing your voter registration.

Can I register to vote during early voting?

Yes, in Michigan, you can complete voter registration during early voting. At your early voting location, be sure to register to vote before completing your ballot.

Who is eligible to register to vote?

Michigan residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• Be a Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote)
• Be a United States citizen
• Be at least 18 years of age (when you vote)
• Not be currently serving a sentence in jail or prison

In Michigan, you can register to vote, even if you’re under the age of 18! Future voters who are 16 or 17 may pre-register to vote. They will be eligible to vote for the first election after they turn 18. 

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

Michigan gives voters the option to choose a political party when registering to vote. It is not required to register, but choosing “no party preference” could limit your ability to participate in presidential primary elections and caucuses.