Michigan elections FAQ: Everything you need to know about absentee ballots

• The state will begin sending the 1.8 million requested absentee ballots Thursday
• Michigan voters can vote via absentee ballot until 8 p.m. on Election Day
• Bridge Michigan is answering questions from readers throughout the election season

The November general election is about 40 days away but voting season in Michigan is upon us beginning this week. Starting Thursday, local clerks will begin sending out absentee ballots to the 1.8 million residents who have so far requested them, the Secretary of State confirmed to Bridge Michigan. 

So, now what? Is it still possible to request an absentee ballot? And how long do I have to turn it in?

Bridge Michigan is answering these questions as part of our Elections FAQ series, which includes a weekly live video show and written responses.  Submit your own question here. 
Here’s what voters need to know about absentee ballots.

Who is eligible to vote absentee? 

All Michigan voters can request an absentee ballot without needing to provide a reason. Before the passage of Proposal 3 in 2018, which gave every voter the option to cast a “no-reason” absentee ballot, absentee ballots were reserved for elderly residents, service people and those who disclosed to the state that they were traveling.

Related: 

• Michigan elections FAQ: ‘Voting season’ begins this week 
• Michigan Aug. 6 primary: What to know about absentee ballots, early voting 
• Primary voting underway; a record 1.5M absentee ballots requested in Michigan

How do I request an absentee ballot?

Michigan voters can fill out an application at their local clerk's office or online to receive an absentee ballot. When you fill out an application, you can also ask to be put on a permanent absentee ballot list so that your local clerk will send you an absentee ballot for every election without you having to resubmit an application. 

Voters who apply online will be asked to provide their: 

• Full name
• Michigan driver's license or ID number or acknowledgement that the voter does not have a Michigan driver’s license or ID
• Date of birth
• Eye color
• Last four digits of their Social Security number
• Mailing address
• An uploaded signature or authorization to use their stored digital signature on file with the Secretary of State

You can request an absentee ballot online until 5 p.m. the Friday before Election Day. However, to ensure your ballot is counted, you should plan to mail it in 15 days before the election. 

How long do I have to turn my ballot in? 

Once you have completed your absentee ballot you can either mail it in or return it to a drop box at your local clerk’s office. 

Your absentee ballot has to reach your clerk by the time polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day for it to count, and you don’t want to risk potential mail delays.

Voters who do not turn in their absentee ballot by mail before Election Day, can take it to their local clerk’s office or put it in a drop box to ensure it is counted.

You can locate your local clerk's office and ballot box locations here. 

Before you send your ballot off, you should make sure that it is completed and inserted in the secrecy sleeve as directed, and sign and date the return envelope. 

What if I make a mistake? 

If you happen to make a mistake in your ballot, you can contact your local clerk to request a new one. 

Common mistakes include: 

• Signing in the wrong place 
• Listing the incorrect date 
• Signing with a different signature than what is on file with your local clerk
• Accidentally marking a non-preferred vote on the ballot

How do I know my absentee ballot was received? 

Voters can track the status of their absentee ballot application and ballot here. You can contact your local clerk's office if you have questions regarding the status of your absentee ballot. 

Can I change my vote once I’ve submitted my ballot? 

If you’ve already submitted your absentee ballot but you want to change your vote because a candidate dropped out or for another reason, you can submit a written request to spoil your ballot to your local clerk's office by 5 p.m. the second Friday before the election, Oct. 25. 

If you haven’t turned in your absentee ballot but you would like to request another one, you can spoil it in person at your local clerk’s office until 4 p.m. the Monday before the election.