Register to vote


If you have a Michigan driver’s license or state ID, you can register to vote or update your registration online, today!


Alternatively, if you want to register to vote or update your registration by mail, you may do so with a printable application form. A third option is to register in person at your clerk’s office.


There are many ways to register to vote in Michigan. You can register at any time up to 8 p.m. on Election Day, but it is better to register as soon as possible. Please read the information below to learn more.



What is the process for registering to vote in Michigan?

To learn about registering to vote in Michigan, watch this short video.


I’ve moved. Do I have to update my registration?

If you move to a new city or township, you must re-register. If you move within a city or township and are already registered to vote, you only need to update your address with the city/township clerk.


How do I register to vote or update my information online?

If you have a valid Michigan driver's license or state ID you can use the online form to register to vote or update your voter registration address in Michigan.


How do I register to vote on Election Day?

You can register to vote and vote in person on Election Day at your city or township clerk’s office. You’ll need to bring your proof of residency.

To be eligible to register to vote you must be:

  • A Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote)
  • A United States citizen
  • At least 18 years of age (when you vote)
  • Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison

Proof of residency:

You must show proof of where you live. Documents must have your name and current address. You can show a digital copy of documents. Acceptable documents include:

  • Michigan driver’s license or state ID
  • Current utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Paycheck or government check
  • Other government document


What’s the deadline to register?

You can register at any time up to 8 p.m. on Election Day at your city or township clerk’s office. If you’re registering another way, your voter registration application must be received or postmarked at least 15 days before the election.


How do I register to vote?

Voter registration is a 5-step process in Michigan. Click the links below to learn more about each step.

Note: Military and overseas civilian voters have additional options to register. Learn about military and overseas civilian voters.


Step 1: Verify you are eligible
Step 2: Fill out an application
Step 3: Submit your application
Step 4: City/township clerk processes application
Step 5: You are registered!


Step 1: Verify you are eligible

To be eligible to register to vote you must be:

  • A Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote)
  • A United States citizen
  • At least 18 years of age (when you vote)
  • Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison

You can register when you are 17.5 years old or preregister when you are 16 years old, but you can’t vote until you’re 18.

Proof of residency if registering within two weeks of Election: If you register within 14 days of Election Day, you must show proof of where you live. Documents must have your name and current address. You can show a digital copy of documents. Acceptable documents include:

  • Michigan driver’s license or state ID
  • Current utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Paycheck or government check
  • Other government document


Step 2: Fill out an application

You can register by one of the following methods:

  • Online at Michigan.gov/VoterRegistration
  • At a Secretary of State branch office
  • At your city or township clerk’s office or your county clerk’s office
  • At any state agency that provides public assistance or services to people with disabilities
  • By mailing in a completed voter registration application postmarked at least 15 days before the election; or,
  • Through a voter registration drive


Within 14 days before the election, all applications must be submitted to your local city or township clerk’s office in person.


Step 3: Submit your application

Submitting your application online:

To submit your application online, visit the online voter registration section of this website.

Submitting your application in person:

If you hand-deliver your application to the city/township clerk, the staff person helping you will take your form and you don't need to do anything else.

Submitting your application via mail:

If you have never registered to vote in Michigan and choose to mail in your application, you will need to verify your identity by including the following:

  • Your Michigan driver's license or state ID number where requested on the form. OR
  • The last 4 digits of your Social Security number where requested on the form. OR
  • Send a copy (not an original document) of ONE of the following forms of identification with your application:
    • A photocopy of your Michigan driver's license or state ID, or
    • A photocopy of a paycheck stub, utility bill, bank document or government document that lists both your name and your address.


Step 4: City/township clerk processes application

Your city or township clerk will send you a voter registration card upon processing your application. Keep it in your wallet or purse so you know where to go to cast your ballot. For directions and a map to your polling place, visit Michigan.gov/Vote.


Step 5: You’re registered

You’re all registered to vote! Learn about voting in person.



Where can I register to vote?

You can register at one of the following locations:

  • Online at Michigan.gov/VoterRegistration;
  • At a Secretary of State branch office;
  • At your city or township clerk’s office or your county clerk’s office;
  • At any state agency that provides public assistance or services to people with disabilities;
  • Through a voter registration drive; or,
  • By mailing in a completed voter registration application postmarked at least 15 days before the election.

Within 14 days before the election, all applications must be submitted to your local city or township clerk’s office in person.


Can I vote as a student?

If you're from Michigan and go to school here:

Register to vote at your school address or your home address.

If you're from Michigan and go to a school outside the state:

Register to vote at your home address in Michigan.

If you're not from Michigan but go to school here:

Register to vote at your school address in Michigan.

If you have a Michigan driver’s license or state ID card, and you are registered to vote in Michigan, your voter registration address and the address on your ID will be the same.

If you change the address on one, it will automatically change the other. The Secretary of State will mail you a sticker with your new address to place on your license or ID card.


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