Know Your Voting Rights

Michigan voters have been clear: we want to make it easier for eligible voters to access the ballot box. Yet, the federal government has worked to dismantle our voting rights – especially for historically disenfranchised voters, including voters of color, people on low incomes, people with disabilities, rural residents, indigenous people, and other vulnerable voters.

We, the people, pick our leaders and we, the people, have the power to shape the future in our own communities. Our most effective tool? A free and fair election.

Every eligible voter should have equal say in the decisions that impact our lives. Know your voting rights. Practice your voting rights.

The ACLU of Michigan is working with the nonpartisan Election Protection Program, a coalition working to ensure voters know their rights and that every vote is counted.  Have a voting question or need to report a problem at the polls? Call the non-partisan Election Protection Hotline: (866) OUR-VOTE. Help is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Bangla, and several other languages.

JULY 20: Last day to register to vote online or by mail to vote in the August 4 Primary Election.
(Starting July 21, you’ll need to register in person at your city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency.

JULY 21: For most voters,* this is the last day we recommend returning your ballot by mail to avoid postal delays.
(Starting July 22, we recommend returning your ballot in person to your city or township clerk’s office or to a secure drop box in your community.)

JULY 25: First day of the statewide in-person early voting period. All communities must offer in-person early voting at a designated early voting site starting on this day.
Contact your clerk or visit mi.gov/vote to find out when and where you can vote early in person for the August 4 Primary Election.

AUGUST 2: Last day of statewide in-person early voting.

AUGUST 3 at 4 p.m.: Deadline to vote in person, with an absentee ballot, at your city or township clerk’s office if you’re registered to vote where you live.
(After today at 4 p.m., you must vote at your polling place on Election Day.)

AUGUST 4: Election Day! Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. If you need to register to vote, you can register and then vote at your city or township clerk’s office until 8 p.m.

*If you’re serving in the military or living overseas, your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day (August 4) and received by Monday, August 10 to count.