Requesting an Absent Voter Ballot
NEW! Sign Up to Receive an Absent Voter Ballot APPLICATION by Mail Prior to Every Election
- Voters on the Permanent Absent Voter List are sent an Absent Voter Ballot Application by mail prior to every election.
- The voter can choose whether or not they would like to submit the Application to receive a ballot.
- Voters on this list are not automatically sent a ballot itself.
VOTE BY MAIL – All registered voters have the right to vote by mail. Apply online or download an application at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/avapplication
You can use this program to apply for an absent voter ballot or an accessible electronic absent voter ballot for upcoming elections in Michigan. To use the State’s website to make your request online, you need to be registered to vote in Michigan and have a valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID. If you need to register to vote, click on "Registering To Vote." If you don’t have a Michigan driver’s license or state ID but you are registered to vote, click on "Absentee Voting" for more information on how you can apply for an absent voter ballot.
Alternatively, your request for an absent voter ballot can be submitted to your city or township clerk (for assistance in obtaining the address of your city or township clerk, see Michigan.gov/Vote). You can request an absent voter ballot by submitting the application, large print application, a letter, a postcard, or a pre-printed application form obtained from your local clerk’s office. Requests may be returned by hand, via postal mail, fax, or email, as long as a signature is visible.
Requests to have an absent voter ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before the election. If you’re already registered at your current address, you can request an absent voter ballot in person at your clerk’s office anytime up to 4 p.m. on the day prior to the election. If you’re registering to vote or updating your address by appearing at your clerk’s office on Election Day, you can request an absent voter ballot at the same time you register. If you request your AV ballot the day before the election or on Election Day, you must vote the ballot in the clerk’s office.
Once your request is received by the local clerk, your signature on the request will be checked against your voter registration record before a ballot is issued. You must be a registered voter to receive an absent voter ballot, but you can register and apply for an absent voter ballot at the same time. Requests for absent voter ballots are processed immediately. Absent voter ballots may be issued to you at your home address or any address outside of your city or township of residence.
After receiving your absent voter ballot, you have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to complete the ballot and return it to the clerk’s office. Your ballot will not be counted unless your signature is on the return envelope and matches your signature on file. If you received assistance voting the ballot, then the signature of the person who helped you must also be on the return envelope. Only you, a family member or person residing in your household, a mail carrier, or election official is authorized to deliver your signed absent voter ballot to your clerk’s office.
If an emergency, such as a sudden illness or family death prevents you from reaching the polls on Election Day, you may request an emergency absent voter ballot. Requests for an emergency ballot must be submitted after the deadline for regular absent voter ballots has passed but before 4 p.m. on Election Day. The emergency must have occurred at a time which made it impossible for you to apply for a regular absent voter ballot. Please contact your local clerk for more information about emergency absent voter ballots.