Election Days in Michigan
Election Days in Michigan
Polls open from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Election Dates
Aug. 7, 2012 State Primary
Nov. 6, 2012 State General Election
Registration Deadlines
July 9, 2012 Last day to register for August primary
Oct. 9, 2012 Last day to register for November general election.
By 2:00 p.m., Aug. 4 Electors who wish to receive an absent voter ballot for the August primary by mail submit absent voter ballot applications
Up to 4:00 p.m., Aug. 6 Electors qualified to obtain an absent voter ballot for August primary may vote in person in clerk’s office.
Up to 4:00 p.m., Aug. 7 Emergency absentee voting for August primary.
By 2:00 p.m., Nov. 3 Electors who wish to receive an absent voter ballot for the November general election by mail submit absent voter ballot applications.
Up to 4:00 p.m., Nov. 5 Electors qualified to obtain an absent voter ballot for November general election may vote in person in clerk’s office.
Up to 4:00 p.m., Nov. 6 Emergency absentee voting for November general election.
OFFICES TO BE ELECTED IN 2012
President/Vice President
U.S. Senator (1 seat)
U.S. Representative in Congress (all 14 districts)
State Representative (all 110 districts)
State Board of Education (2 seats)
University of Michigan Regents (2 seats)
Michigan State University Trustees (2 seats)
Wayne State University Governors (2 seats)
Justice of the Supreme Court
Judge of the Court of Appeals
Judge of the Circuit Court
Judge of the District Court
Judge of Probate
County Offices
Specified City Offices
Township Offices
Specified Village Offices
Specified School District Positions
Absentee voting process
To protect and enhance the integrity of Michigan’s absentee voting process, all election officials are required to observe the legal requirements,practices and policies detailed below.
Eligibility: A registered voter is eligible to obtain an absentee ballot for an upcoming election if he or she: 1) is 60 years of age or more 2) is unable to vote without assistance 3) expects to be absent from his or her city or township of residence for the entire time the polls are open 4) is in jail awaiting arraignment or trial 5) has been appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of his or her precinct of residence or 6) is unable to attend the polls due to his or her religious beliefs.
Eligibility restriction: A person who registers to vote by mail must vote in person in the first election in which he or she participates. The restriction does not apply to overseas voters, voters who are handicapped or voters who are 60 years of age or older.
Application process: A voter who wishes to receive an absentee ballot must request it in writing from the clerk; absentee ballots may not be delivered as a result of an oral request made in person or over the phone. However, an absentee ballot application form may be provided as a result of an oral request.
The written request may be on a form supplied by the clerk or other election official, in a letter or on a postcard. The written request must include a statutory reason why the voter is eligible to receive an absentee ballot and the applicant’s signature.
Forms: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/sos/AV_Process_264249_7.pdf
A Guide to Voter Identification at the Polls
Due to a recent court ruling, every Michigan voter must present picture identification at the polls,
or sign an affidavit attesting that he or she is not in possession of picture identification.
Prepare for Election Day
Remember to bring an acceptable form of photo identification to the polls on Election Day. If you don’t have photo ID you can still vote (see Voting Without Photo ID below).
Your photo ID does not need to have your address on it. In addition, the name on your identification card may be a shorter form of your name. For example, “Bill” for “William” and “Kathy” for “Katherine” are acceptable.
After showing your photo ID to the poll worker and signing the application, you may cast your ballot.
Voting Without Photo ID
If you do not have photo ID, you can still cast a ballot simply by signing an affidavit. The affidavit can be used by:
- Voters who do not have acceptable photo ID
- Voters who have photo ID but didn’t bring it to the polls
Once you sign the affidavit, you may cast your ballot. It will be counted with all other ballots on Election Day.
Getting a State ID Card
If you do not have a driver’s license or other acceptable photo identification, you can get a state identification card at your local Secretary of State branch office for $10.
State ID cards are free to individuals who are 65 or older or who are blind. Cards are also free to those who have had driving privileges terminated due to a physical or mental disability.
Proof of identity and residency are required when applying for a state ID card. The fee can also be waived for individuals who present other good cause for a fee waiver. Visit www.Michigan.gov/sos for details on what forms are acceptable in order to prove identity and residency, or call (888) SOS-MICH (767-6424).
For more info check out the Michigan Voter Information Center
This Web site provides you with a vast assortment of information related to voter registration and election administration in Michigan.
- Determine if you are registered to vote
- Find your polling location
- Contact your local election official
- Learn to use your voting equipment
- Find answers to frequently asked questions
- View your sample ballot
