Dear Friend,

Our democracy is strongest when every eligible citizen can make their voice heard at the ballot box.

That’s why here in Michigan, we’ve taken action to protect everyone’s constitutional right to vote and continue to make it easier for every Michigander to cast a ballot. I signed laws that established nine days of early in-person voting, protected equal access to the ballot box, and increased voter registration opportunities.

No matter who you are or who you’re voting for, I’ll keep fighting against voter suppression and make it easier for you to cast your vote and have it counted. Thousands of Republican, Democratic, and independent election clerks, staff, and volunteers work together to ensure Michigan's voting process is secure and accurate. Strict security protocols are enforced to make sure Michigan’s elections system is among the strongest and most secure in the nation.

New this November, eligible citizens in Michigan can vote early in-person from Saturday, October 26 – Sunday, November 3. In some communities, early-person voting may start even sooner. See more info below to make a plan to vote early.

Whether you’re planning to vote at an early voting site, with an absentee ballot, on Election Day, or casting a ballot overseas, your voice matters. Early voting is now available—check out the info below and make a plan to vote.

Sincerely,

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor

P.S. This November, you can feel proud to wear an “I  Voted” sticker designed by a fellow Michigander. See above some of the winning designs from Michigan’s first-ever “I Voted” sticker contest created by students and artists from across our state. They will be available for clerks to order and give to voters as the state’s official 2024 Presidential Election stickers. 

Making Voting Easier

Last year, I signed a package of bipartisan bills making it easier to vote in a secure way, ensuring Michiganders can make their voices heard in every election. These bills mirrored ‘Prop 2’, which Michiganders voted for overwhelmingly in November 2022 to expand voting rights. Now, Michigan requires:

• At least nine days of early in-person voting
• State-funded absentee ballot drop boxes
• A permanent absentee ballot list
• Expanded voter registration options, including preregistration at 16

Make a Plan to Vote

☑ Make sure you are registered to vote, and that your voter registration address is up to date:

☑ If you’re not registered to vote, eligible citizens can register to vote online:

☑ Be informed about your options to vote in Michigan and upcoming elections:

☑ Visit the online Michigan Voter Information Center, your hub for voting information where you can register to vote, request an absentee ballot, see where you can vote early in-person, or find your polling place for Election Day:

Your Voting Options in Michigan

Vote Early In-Person

Michigan now requires at least nine days of early voting for eight hours a day ahead of federal and statewide elections, starting the second Saturday before an election until the Sunday before the election.  At early voting sites, you can fill out your ballot and cast your ballot in the tabulator and get an "I Voted" sticker just as you would on election day. Early voting can help you avoid long lines.

• Q: When does early voting start in my Michigan community?

A: Early voting in this election is required to begin Saturday, October 26, but some cities including Detroit, Canton Township, and East Lansing will begin their early in-person voting periods earlier.

Go to michigan.gov/vote, or click "Where do I go to Early Vote?" and enter the address where you're registered to vote. A list of early voting sites and the days and hours you can vote early will be provided there.

• Q: When does early voting end?

A: Michiganders have until Sunday, November 3 to vote early in-person.

Absentee: Vote Early at Home

All registered voters in Michigan have the right to vote absentee using a ballot delivered to their home. 

• Q: How do I request an absentee ballot?

A: Voters can request an absentee ballot at their local clerk or online. Once the ballot application has been processed, the absentee ballot will be mailed to the voter. Online applications may be submitted until 5 p.m. the Friday before Election Day.

To ensure there is enough time to receive and return an absentee ballot, plan on submitting the absentee ballot application online at least 15 days before Election Day. Go to michigan.gov/vote or click "Options to apply for an absentee ballot" for more info.

• Q: How and when do I have to return my ballot?

A: Voters have several options to securely return their completed and signed absentee ballot including by mail, drop box, on Election Day, at an early voting site, or their local clerk’s office.

Absentee ballots must be received by a voter’s local clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted, with the exception of military and overseas ballots. Go to michigan.gov/vote or click “Options for returning an absentee ballot” for more info.

• Q: How do I track my submitted ballot application and ballot?

A: Voters can securely track the status of their absentee ballot and sign up to receive email notifications about their absentee ballot at michigan.gov/vote. Voters may also contact their local clerk’s office with questions about the receipt of their application.

Vote In-Person on Election Day

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5

All registered voters in Michigan can vote at their polling place on Election Day.

Unregistered voters, or voters who have not updated their registration to their current address, have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to go to their local clerk's office to register and may also vote at their clerk's office using an absentee ballot.

Historic Work to Expand Voting Rights Across Michigan

Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist and I are committed to expanding access to the ballot box by ensuring every eligible Michigander has the opportunity and information to enroll as a registered voter.

Last year, I signed a historic package of bills that improve election efficiency, increase voter registration opportunities, and protect equal access to the ballot box, ensuring every Michigander’s voice is heard in our democracy.

Going further to protect Michigander’s right to vote, I signed:

• Bipartisan legislation to ensure absentee voter ballots from military and overseas voters are counted if received up to six days after an election.
• Bills making it easier to vote in Michigan by requiring state-funded absentee ballot drop boxes and at least nine days of early in-person voting, establishing a permanent absentee ballot list, and more.
• An executive directive to boost voter registration, instructing all state departments and agencies to identify and assess potential opportunities to help eligible Michiganders register to vote and gain access to reliable information about voting.

I have also vetoed several bills that would make it significantly harder for Michiganders to participate in our democracy.

I’ll keep working alongside Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to ensure every eligible Michigander has the ability to cast their vote and make their voice heard.

Ensuring Military and Overseas Ballots are Counted

Michigan service members are the best of us, and I am proud to expand absentee voter access to ensure voting for members of the armed forces and individuals living overseas.

Beginning in 2024, absentee ballots cast by military or overseas voters have more time to be counted, even if they arrive after election day. A ballot will be included in the final count if it was postmarked on or before Election Day and received by a clerk within six days of the election.

For information on military and overseas absentee voting, visit the military and overseas guide to voting.