LANSING, Mich. — The application period to request an absentee voter ballot for the Nov. 3 general election begins Thursday and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson encourages voters to sign up to vote absentee and send in their ballots as soon as possible.
The state saw a record-breaking number of absentee ballots cast in the primary election earlier this month.
“[Voters] recognize and trust that it is a safe, secure and convenient way to participate in our democracy, and we will continue doing all we can to ensure voters understand their rights and how to exercise them ahead of November,” Benson said.
All registered voters can apply for an absentee ballot at Michigan.gov/vote.
They will need to provide their driver’s license or state ID number and the last four digits of their Social Security number.
Voters can also print out an absentee ballot application form from the website and send it, or a written, signed request for a ballot, to their clerk. The website has information on how voters can find their clerk’s contact information.
Those with print disabilities can apply online for an accessible electronic absentee ballot, which can be completed electronically or printed and returned to a clerk.
After Oct. 19, Benson says voters should go to their clerk’s office in-person if possible, where they will be able to receive their ballot and vote while they’re there.
Absentee ballots must be completed and returned to the clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
If returning the ballot by mail, Benson says to send it in at least two weeks before the election.
