LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a formal opinion today regarding the six-day grace period for the absent voter ballots of individuals serving in the military or living overseas. The opinion was requested by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (PDF) to clarify whether the deadline can be extended if that sixth day falls on a federal holiday. This year, the general election will be held on November 5, and six days after the election will fall on Veterans Day, November 11. 

The Attorney General confirmed in her opinion that the Michigan Constitution incorporates the Michigan Election Law’s extension of the deadline for receiving absent voter ballots from military personnel or overseas voters to the next secular day when that deadline falls on a holiday. 

“The Michigan Constitution grants military and overseas voters a six-day grace period to ensure their absent voter ballots are received and counted so that their voices are heard,” Nessel said. “To prevent potential holiday-related disruptions, State law permits extending this deadline, allowing these voters to fully participate in the democratic process.” 

The full opinion can be read here (PDF). 

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