Election dates and answers to frequently asked questions
by Patrice Johnson
“Can I change my vote?”
–Internet searches are spiking for this question, and in Michigan, the answer is yes, you can change your vote as late as 2:00 p.m., Oct. 31.
“When I vote early, is my vote counted right then?”
–No. Votes will be tabulated on Election Day, Nov. 3, along with all ballots voted at the polls.
The questions above are two of the most frequently asked. If you feel confused by the recent changes to Michigan’s elections laws, you are not alone. In fact, with Election Day fast approaching on Tuesday, Nov. 3, local election officials are coping with voluminous, often daily changes from the Secretary of State’s office.
“This has been a challenging election year!” said Mandy Urquhart, Stockbridge deputy clerk. “We are getting several updates from the Michigan Department of State Bureau of Elections this election year to keep up with, and we’ve been experiencing many confused and concerned voters as well.”
Urquhart explained that the term early voting has been a huge source of confusion among voters. “Yes, our leaders in Lansing have been using this term, but voters think they can cast their vote in a tabular and then are disappointed when we explain that they can vote Absentee, and we’ll process the ballot on Election Day.”
Michigan has mailed an absentee ballot application to every registered voter. Electors can also vote in person in their local township, and Michigan offers early voting. Below are dates to keep in mind.
| By 5:00 p.m., Oct. 30 | Electors may obtain an absent voter ballot via First Class mail. (168.759) |
| By 2:00 p.m., Oct. 31 | Voters may submit written request to spoil their absent voter ballot and receive new ballot by mail. (168.765b) |
| Up to 4:00 p.m., Nov. 2 | Electors may obtain an absent voter ballot in person in the clerk’s office. (168.761) |
| Up to 4:00 p.m., Nov. 2 | Voters may submit written request in person to spoil their absent voter ballot and receive new ballot in the clerk’s office. (168.765b) |
| Up to 4:00 p.m., Nov. 3 | Emergency absentee voting for November general election. (168.759b) |
| Up to 8:00 p.m., Nov. 3 | Election Day registrants may obtain and vote an absent voter ballot in person in the clerk’s office or vote in person in the proper precinct. (168.761) |
| Nov. 3 | STATE GENERAL ELECTION |
| By 9:00 a.m., Nov. 5 | Boards of county canvassers meet to canvass November general election. (168.821) |
| By Nov. 17 | Boards of county canvassers complete canvass of November general election; county clerks forward results to Secretary of State within 24 hours. (168.822, 828) |
| By Nov. 23 | Board of State Canvassers meet to canvass November general election. (168.842) |
Source: Michigan.gov/sos/elections/election administrator information
Who can vote? To register in Michigan you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be 18 years old by the next election
- be a resident of Michigan and at least a 30 day resident of your city or township by election day
- not be confined in a jail or prison after being convicted and sentenced
- *find more information on voting rights restoration here
