Voting season is upon us and it’s more important now than ever to get out the vote. Planning to vote in person, or squeeze in that last-minute absentee ballot? Make a plan and ensure you’re prepared to go in-person or deliver your ballot safely to your clerk’s office.
To aid in the process, here is a quick guide on casting a vote in-person or absentee.
PLAN TO VOTE ABSENTEE?
VOTING RESOURCES FOR DETROIT. PHOTO CITY OF DETROIT
Voting absentee and unsure of how to turn in your ballot?
For starters, if this is the case, you should not put your ballot in the mailbox at this point. In Michigan, all ballots eligible to be counted must be in by November 3rd and given COVID-19 related struggles, there is no guarantee that the USPS will get your ballot in by the 3rd.
Don’t take our word for it though, as even Michigan’s voting expert and Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, recommends those voting turn in their ballots directly to their clerk’s office.
“Only the absentee ballots received by 8 p.m. on November 3 can be counted, and voters should not risk possible postal delays this close to the deadline,” shared Benson. “Voters who already have their absentee ballot should hand-deliver it to their city or township election clerk’s office or ballot dropbox. Voters who still plan to request an absentee ballot should visit their clerk’s office to make the request in person, and fill out and submit the ballot all in one trip.”
If you’re struggling to find your clerk’s office, The Michigan Department of State Voter Information Center is your place to check.
For Detroiters, there are currently 30 different locations throughout the city where residents may deposit absentee ballots, as well as 23 satellite voting centers such as the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center. For those who have yet to register, request an absentee, or vote yet, all can be done at a satellite voting center up to November 3.
PLAN TO VOTE IN-PERSON?
Voting in-person? Then you’ll need to know your precinct. The Michigan Voter Information Center will be your best tool again in this scenario and voters looking to locate their in-person prescient can find theirs here.
If you are voting in-person, bring your ID for ease of convenience. While voters may still vote without an ID, the process is easier and faster with one.
Appropriate ID’s outlined by the Michigan Secretary of State include:
- Michigan driver’s license or state ID
- Driver’s license or personal identification card issued by another state
- Federal or state government-issued photo identification
- U.S. passport
- Military ID with photo
- Student identification with photo from a high school or accredited institution of higher learning
- Tribal identification card with photo
Others matter to worry about for in-person voting mainly revolve around the current second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of this, social distance while in line and wear a mask, two aspects we cannot stress enough.
Aside from those points, know your candidates and get out the vote by November 3. Subscribe to our newsletter here for further information around voting, the election and the ongoing pandemic.
