Here are the steps you need to take to register to vote in an upcoming election:

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Step 1. Find out if you are registered to vote at the address where you live.

To vote in Michigan, you must be registered at the address where you live. Use either Option 1 or Option 2 to find out if you are registered to vote where you currently live:

 

Option 1. Visit mi.gov/vote and click on “Your voter information.” Enter the following information to see if and where you are registered to vote:

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• Your first and last name

• The month and year you were born

• Your ZIP code 

 

(You can also search using your driver’s license number and the month and year you were born.)

 

Option 2. Call your city or township clerk’s office. They can tell you whether and where you are registered to vote.

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If you’re already registered to vote where you currently live, you don’t need to do anything else. Just vote when it’s time! If you’re not registered (or if you’re registered at the wrong place), then move to step 2.

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Step 2. Register to Vote.

How you register to vote depends on when you register to vote.

 

If it's at least 15 days before Election Day, there are many ways to register to vote in the next election.

 

IN PERSON: You can register to vote in person at any of these places:

• Any Secretary of State branch office.

• Your city, township, or county clerk’s office.

• Any state agency that provides public assistance or services to people with disabilities.

• Any Armed Forces recruitment office.

• A voter-registration drive.

 

If you have a Michigan driver’s license or state ID card or a Social Security Number, enter those numbers on your voter registration form.  If you don’t have any of those things, you can still register to vote.

 

ONLINE: You can register to vote online at mi.gov/vote. Click on “register to vote online.” You must have a valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID to register online.  

 

BY MAIL: You can print an application, complete it, and mail it in. Get an application online at mi.gov/vote. Click on “Voter forms and publications.”

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If it's fewer than 15 days before Election Day (even up to 8pm on Election Day), you can still register and vote in the next election. To do this, visit your city or township clerk’s office, complete a registration application, and provide “proof of residency.” 

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If you register to vote fewer than 15 days before Election Day, ask for a registration receipt. Keep this receipt and bring it with you when you go to vote.

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How do I pre-register to vote?

If you are between 16 and 17.5 years old, and you otherwise meet the requirements for registering to vote, you can pre-register to vote. You can pre-register to vote using any of the voter registration methods described above. Once you turn 17.5, your pre-registration will automatically turn into a regular registration. 

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What is "proof of residency"?

“Proof of residency” is a document with both your name and the address where you currently live. You can use:

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• a Michigan driver’s license or state ID card

• a utility bill

• a bank statement

• a paycheck

• a government check

• any other government document

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If I’m mailing in my application, where and by when do I need to mail it?

Mail your voter registration application to your city or township clerk. To vote in the next election, your application must be postmarked by 15 days before Election Day.

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How do I find my city or township clerk’s office and the hours it is open?

1. Visit mi.gov/vote and click on “where are my clerk’s offices.” 

2. Enter your address to find your city or township clerk. 

3. Look for the offices’ hours and locations, including satellite locations. Or use the listed phone number to call and ask for their hours and location. 

 

City and township clerks’ offices must be open for at least 8 hours the weekend before Election Day and from 7am to 8pm on Election Day.

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Do I need a photo ID or proof of citizenship to register to vote?

No. But here’s what you do need to register to vote:   

 

If you're registering to vote in person, you will be asked for a photo ID. If you don’t have one, you can sign a simple form (called an affidavit) and then register to vote. If you are registering to vote 15 days or fewer before Election Day, you will also need proof of residency.

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If you're registering to vote through the mail, and you have a Michigan driver’s license or state ID card or a social security number, enter those numbers on your voter registration application. If you don’t have a Michigan driver’s license, state ID card, or social security number, check the box “I don’t have a valid Michigan-issued driver’s license or Michigan-issued state ID card, or a Social Security number” located under the space for writing in numbers.

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