1. Check for absentee voting status

Maybe you’ve already requested to receive your ballots by mail. Let’s find out!

Visit the https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index and look up your voter registration status:

Make sure to enter your full legal name and the ZIP code of your last registered address. When you submit that form, you should see something like this:

If your registration page indicates that your absentee application has been received, then congratulations, you’re all set! You can skip to step 5.

2a. Complete the online absent voter ballot application

Due to the passage of the statewide ballot Proposal 18-3, all registered voters in Michigan can now request an absent voter ballot without needing to provide a reason.

This can be done using the online form: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/avapplication

Once completed, you can skip to step 3.

2b. Or email the application to your clerk

Alternatively, a fillable PDF is available for download: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1633_8716_8728-21037–,00.htm

Either print, complete, and scan your completed application or use PDF software to insert a digital signature. Then, find your local clerk’s email address here: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index/#yourclerk

Attach your signed application to an email similar to the following:

Dear City Clerk,

I would like to receive an absentee ballot for all future Michigan elections. Attached is my completed application I downloaded from the MI SOS website.

Thanks,
<Your Name>

They should reply to your email within a few days confirming it was received.

3. Confirm your absentee status

After your local clerk receives your request to vote by mail, it may take a few more days for that fact to be reflected on your registration status.

Resubmit the form in step 1 every few days until it shows that your application has been received:

5. Wait for your absentee ballot

As long as you have completed these steps no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before an election, your clerk will mail you an absentee ballot to fill out and return:

Carefully sign the return envelope. Your signature should match your driver’s license. You have until 8 p.m. on election day to return the ballot to your clerk’s office via mail or drop box. To ensure your ballot is counted, return it as soon as possible!

⚠️ If there are fewer than two weeks until an election, do not rely on the mail for your ballot to arrive in time. Use a drop box or deliver it to your clerk’s office in person!

You can track the status of your ballot using the same form in step 1:

Additional information can be found here: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1633_8716_8728-21037–,00.html

Stay safe and happy voting!