When and how may I register to vote?

You can register to vote when you are age 17 1/2. You may register to vote in person, by mail, or online at Michigan.gov/VoterRegistration up to 15 days prior to an election. Voters may also register in-person at their City or Township Clerk’s office within 14 days of an election, up to and including Election Day. A voter registering in the final 14 days, including Election Day, will need to show proof of residency in addition to proof of identity (or an ID that proves both. NOTE: Only voters registering in the final 14 days must show proof of residency while registering. 

You may obtain the application at one of the following:

  • Your local Secretary of State branch office 
  • Your local county, city, or township clerk’s office
  • Offices of several state agencies, like the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Community Health, and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
  • Military recruitment centers
  • Voter registration drives
  • Online at Michigan.gov/Vote

Michigan law states that the same address must be used for voter registration and driver’s license purposes. That means, if the residence address you provide on the application differs from the address shown on a driver’s license or personal identification card issued by the state of Michigan, the Secretary of State will automatically change your driver’s license or personal ID card address to match the residence address entered on this form. If a change is made, the Secretary of State will mail you an address update sticker for your driver’s license or personal ID card.

If you are living outside the U.S., you may send a Federal Postcard Application to register to vote. This application is distributed through U.S. embassies and military bases. It also serves as a way to request an absentee ballot.

Show All Answers

1. Who may register to vote?
2. When and how may I register to vote?
3. Do I have to register for each election?
4. May I register to vote by mail?
5. I submitted a voter registration application. What happens next?
6. What should I do if I have moved within my city or township of residence or changed my name since the last election?
7. What should I do if I move to another city or township within the state?
8. Can I vote by absentee ballot?
9. How do I apply for an absent voter ballot?
10. When must my absentee ballot be returned?
11. How do I find my City or Township Clerk?
12. Where do I vote?
13. When are the polls open?
14. What is the voting procedure?
15. What should I do if my name does not appear on the list of registered voters at my polling place?
16. May I receive assistance when voting?
17. May I take campaign literature into the polling place?
18. Is campaigning allowed on election day?
19. Are "selfies" allowed at the polls?
20. What is the difference between a Primary and General election?