Michigan Voter ID Laws

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Full Transcript

INTRO AND AGENDA

Hello I’m Daphne O’Neal and you are watching the Voter-ID.com update for the state of Michigan. This video will give you an overview of what you need to know to exercise your right to vote. We’ll cover the latest and pending changes, what forms of ID are acceptable, who is eligible to vote, registration procedures and deadlines, when you can vote and where you can get additional assistance.

Latest and Pending Changes

When you go to the polls to cast a ballot, you will be asked to produce one of the following acceptable forms of photo ID:

* A Michigan driver’s license or state-issued ID card
* A driver’s license or personal identification card issued by another state
* A federal or state government-issued photo identification
* A U.S. passport
* A military ID with photo
* A student identification with photo from a high school or accredited institution of higher learning
* A tribal identification card with photo

The ID does not need to provide your address. If you do not have photo ID or do not bring it with you to the polls, you may still vote. Simply sign an affidavit stating that you are not in possession of photo identification. Your ballot will be included with all others and is counted on Election Day.

Voter Registration

WHO CAN REGISTER

You may register to vote in Michigan if you are:
* A U.S. citizen
* 18 years old by Election Day and
* A resident of Michigan and the city or township where you are applying to register to vote.

Unless you move or change your name, you need to register only once.

HOW TO REGISTER

At least 30 days prior to an election, you can register to vote by going to your county, city or township clerk’s office or by going to your local Secretary of State office.

You can also register at the same time you apply for or renew your driver’s license. Eligible drivers should receive voter registration applications in the mail with their drivers’ license renewal information.

If you have never registered to vote in Michigan and want to mail in your registration application, you will need to provide identification information along with your application. You must either:

1. Enter your driver’s license number or personal ID card number on the form OR

2. Send a copy of one of the following forms of identification with your application:
* A photocopy of your driver’s license or personal ID
OR
* A photocopy of a paycheck stub, utility bill, bank document or government document that lists both your name and your address.

You must register to vote at least 30 days before an election.

VERIFYING YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS

To confirm your registration, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center, or contact your county clerk’s office at the links provided below.

Voting by Absentee Ballot

If you are a registered voter, you may cast an absentee ballot if you are unable to attend the polls on Election Day.

Your request for an absentee ballot must be in writing and can be submitted to your city or township clerk by 2 p.m. on the Saturday before the election. Requests for absentee voter ballots are processed immediately. After receiving your absentee voter ballot, you have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to complete the ballot and return it to the clerk’s office. Your ballot will not be counted unless your signature is on the return envelope and matches your signature on file. Only you, a family member or person residing in your household, a mail carrier, or election official is authorized to deliver your signed absentee voter ballot to your clerk’s office.

In Michigan, first time voters must vote in person in the FIRST election in which they vote unless:
* You are 60 years of age or more
* You are disabled OR
* You are eligible to vote under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act

When and Where to Vote

On November 6, 2012, the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check with the Michigan Voter Information Center or your county, city or township clerk’s office to find out where you vote.

Election Related Clothing at the Polls

Michigan prohibits the practice of displaying election-related materials at the polls, including clothing, buttons, pamphlets, fliers and stickers. You cannot display such items in the polling place or within 100 feet of an entrance to a polling place. If you go to the polls with a shirt or button bearing election-related images or slogans, you will be asked to cover or remove it.

Additional Assistance

There are several organizations to help you with any part of the voting process, from registration, getting the proper identification or transportation to the polling place.

Use the links in the sidebar for National organizations and for uniformed service members, their families and citizens living outside the U.S.

“Local Assistance” from independent organizations is available in the Blue Section below, Official Government information and forms can be found in the green section below, and Key dates for your state can be found in the Red section.

Closing

We hope we have answered the most common questions for MOST voters in MOST situations or pointed you in the right direction to get more information. Election laws are much more complicated than we can fully cover here. Please visit one of the official sites listed below in the Green section for more detailed information.

Be sure to get last minute updates by subscribing to our e-mail list.

Our democracy works best when everyone participates in the process so make sure you vote and encourage others to vote as well. If you found this site helpful please share it with others using any of the sharing methods provided below. Thank you.

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