Elections: Voting Information

Make your Voting Plan

Voting gives us the power to shape the future of our nation by allowing us to influence policies and hold leaders accountable. Voting is not only our greatest right as U.S. citizens but also our greatest civil responsibility. When election time comes, it can feel overwhelming to know who to vote for and where to cast your ballot. Don’t worry, the LSRI Election Committee is here to help you create your voting plan so that you’re ready to make your vote count come election day.

Know the Election Timeline

The first step in creating your voting plan is knowing the election timeline. This way, you’re ready for key deadlines, such as when you can register to vote or request a mail-in ballot. MichiganVoting.org provides excellent summaries of the key dates for the November 3rd General Election. Promote the Vote has also put together an excellent checklist to help you ensure you are ready for the general election.

Register to Vote

There are various ways to register to vote, including online, by mail, and in person. You can check your status and register on the Michigan Department of State website. If you want to register to vote in person, visit your city or township Clerk’s office, but be sure to bring a valid ID and proof of residency. Life is busy for everyone, and it’s easy to lose track of time. However, don’t worry – you can still register in person within 14 days of an election, and on Election Day, by visiting your local clerk’s office. To register in person, you will need state ID and proof of residency. It’s never too early to take an interest in elections. Michigan residents between 16 and 17.5 years old can preregister.  

Know the Ballot and Candidates

Beyond candidates, ballots often include proposals, tax questions, bond issues, and other local government initiatives. To ensure you can make an informed choice, it is important to review who and what will be on your specific ballot before heading to the polls. You can use the Michigan Voter Information Center website to view the ballot for your precinct. Please note November 3, 2026 is the General Election, where voters will choose which nominated candidates will take office. Depending on your residence, your ballot may also include proposals, millages, bonds, or other local questions.

Vote!

​In Michigan, there are several ways you can vote in the upcoming November 3rd election:

  – Absentee or Mail-In Ballot: You can request your ballot before October 19th via the ​Michigan Voter Information Center website. MichiganVoting.org also provides information on how to join the ​Permanent Mail Ballot List. If you choose to vote by mail, to ensure your ballot isn’t delayed in the post, it is recommended to mail your ballot by October 20th. Starting October 21st, it is recommended to place your ballot in a secure drop box before 4 p.m. on November 2nd. You can track your ballot or find drop box locations on the ​Michigan Voter Information Center website.
  – Early In-Person Voting (October 24th– November 1st): You may cast your ballot at your local polling location. Use the Michigan Voter Information Center website to find your ​polling location
  – Election Day In-Person (November 3rd): On Election Day, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Visit the ​Michigan Voter Information Center ​website to find your assigned polling place. You can still register to vote in person at your city or township clerk’s office until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

How to Spoil Your Ballot in Michigan

Overview:

In the wake of candidates ending their candidacy once ballots are already out, and once voters may have already voted, the Election Protection Program (EPP) put together the following guidance to share with voters on how they can get a new ballot and vote for a candidate that are still in the race.

Messaging Guidance:

  • If a voter wants to change their vote but has already returned their absentee ballot to their local clerk?
    • You have until October 23rd at 5:00 p.m to submit a signed, written request to your city or township clerk to spoil (cancel) your original absentee ballot and receive a new one. We recommend submitting this request in person at your clerk’s office so you can pick up your new ballot right away. If that’s not possible, you can submit this request by mail but it must be received by your clerk by the deadline (October 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m).
  • If a voter wants to change their vote and still has their absentee ballot (they have not returned their ballot to their local clerk)? You have options!
    • Option 1: They can submit a signed, written request to their local clerk by mail. We recommend submitting this request no later than October 23rd to ensure they have enough time to receive it and vote a new one.
    • Option 2: They can go in-person to their city or township clerk’s office by 4 p.m. on October 23rd and submit a signed, written request to spoil (cancel) their original absentee ballot and vote a new ballot.
    • Option 3: They can go in-person to their early voting site or polling place on Election Day (November 3rd) and sign a simple form to spoil (cancel) their original absentee ballot and receive a new ballot to vote on site.

Additional Resources: