Everything you need to be prepared for the polls
By Mikaila Bluew, Delta Collegiate Staff Reporter
See if you qualify to vote ✅
You will likely qualify to vote in the state of Michigan if you:
✔️Are a U.S citizen
✔️Meet Michigan’s residency requirements
✔️Are 18 years old on or before election day
✔️Are registered to vote on or before Michigan’s Registration Deadline
Register to Vote ✅
Registering to vote can be easy, you can find a location to register in-person through your local county clerk’s office, through mail with a Registration Application or online through Michigan.Gov.
Check to see if you are already registered, and where to find local voting polls for the upcoming presidential election on Nov. 5 on Michigan’s Voter Information Page.
This resource can also be used to view sample ballots, track absentee ballots, and find early voting locations and information.
Be aware of the different ways to vote in Michigan ✅
There are a plethora of ways to ensure your vote, and voice get heard in the upcoming election. Whether you choose the traditional route of voting in-person at a local voting poll, or using an absentee ballot to vote through mail, knowing your rights as a voter is crucial.
Here is a breakdown of your options:
✔️In-Person: In Michigan residents can choose to vote early, or with in-person absentee ballots at designated polling locations in their area. Voters may also choose to vote in-person on election day at their counties voting sites.
Though you will be asked for an ID when you arrive to vote in-person, if you do not have one you can still vote after signing a form and using one of these approved identification types:
- Michigan driver’s license or state ID (may be expired)
- Driver’s license or state ID issued by another state
- Federal, state or local government-issued photo ID
- U.S. passport
- Military photo ID
- Photo ID from an educational institution
- Tribal photo ID
✔️Absentee: Though not all states allow this, Michigan’s government states that any voter may request an absentee ballot to use a mail-in voting process. You may register for an absentee ballot through your county clerk’s office or online through Michigan’s Absentee Ballot Application.
If absentee ballots are your preferred voting method, you may now register to be part of the permanent mail-in ballot list while filling out your absentee ballot application. Find more information on this new method of voting on MichiganVoting.org
Vote on Election Day ✅
No matter how you choose to vote, whether it be in-person or through mail, your voice deserves to be heard in this year’s presidential referendum. This opportunity for impact only comes once every four years, now that you have your checklist you will be prepared to take on the presidential polls.
