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Voting 101

How to Vote

Learn where and how you can vote and other important information on usa.gov.

Voting in Kalamazoo County and need instructions on how to mark your ballot? Click the link above.  

Voting In Person 

Questions and answers about voting in person in Michigan as well as instructions about what to do when you get to the polls. 

Click the above link to see the voter ID requirements for the State of Michigan. 

Don't have a photo ID? Click the link above to find out how you can vote at the polls. 

Not voting in Michigan? Click the above link to find the voting requirements for your state. 

Curious about what voting equipment your county uses? Click the above link to see a map of Michigan. Choose your county to see the voting system your county uses.

Once you've found the equipment your county uses, click the link above to learn how to mark your ballot or access other help using your county's voting equipment. 

Voting Absentee / By Mail

Click the link to see instructions for how to apply for an absentee ballot online, by mail, or in person.

If you just want to fill out the online application for an absentee ballot, click this link. Remember that you will need time to receive it in the mail and return it before the election. 

Information from the Michigan Secretary of State about who is eligible to vote absentee, how to do so, and how to spoil your ballot if you make a mistake and would like to request a new one. 

A list of common questions and answers about voting absentee in Michigan. 

Have an emergency that may prevent you from reaching the polls? Click the link to find out how to request an emergency absentee ballot. 

The information for submitting your absentee ballot will arrive with the ballot, but it can also be found by clicking the above link. The site will provide another website link to the Michigan Voter Information Center, where you can find your local clerk and the location of any ballot drop boxes associated with your clerk's office. 

Want to make sure your ballot arrived at your clerk's office in time? Click the link above and fill out the voter information to track your ballot and see the date it was received. 

Where to Vote

Click the link and fill out the information to find out where to vote in person or where to drop off your absentee ballot in person 

Find your polling location by clicking on the link and choosing your state. 

When to Vote

A list of important election dates in 2022 provided by the League of Women Voters in Michigan. 

Michigan's Poll Hours provided by the Michigan Secretary of State. 

A map showing poll numbers around the State of Michigan by time zone. 

Don't live in Michigan? Click the link above to find the poll hours for your state. You can also search for Secretary of State's website or other voting sites maintained by your state government to find the information as well. 

 

Need a Ride?

If you find yourself in need of a ride to the polls, the local clerk, or just to pick up your ID, this website will connect you with volunteers in your area willing to help. Likewise if you're looking to volunteer as a driver, click the link above to find out how you can help.

Voting Guides

Vote 411 provides nonpartisan information about the election from the League of Women Voters. Scroll down to the map and click on your state or type in your address to get started. 

This nonpartisan site is recommended by usa.gov as a voter guide. If you plug in your address it will provide ballot information and allow you compare candidates and learn about their backgrounds. 

The League of Women Voters is an organization that provides information on candidates and issues. Here are their tips for college students.

Voting Questions

If You Have Questions Not Listed Here, Contact the Nonpartisan Voter Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE.

General Voting Questions 

Not sure what the difference is between voting a straight party ticket, a split ticket, or a mixed ticket? Click the link for the answer. 

Absentee Ballot Questions

You can track your ballot at the link above. If you did not receive your ballot or received an incorrect one, you should contact your local clerk's office for more information. The clerk may tell you to fill out an Affidavit of Absent Voter if you did not receive yours. You can find that form here. Please remember that it is illegal to vote in another person's name. 

The answer is yes, but there is a process to doing so. Click on the link above for the basic instructions. If you arrive at the polls on election day, you may need to fill out an Affidavit of Absent Voter or return your absentee ballot. You can find the Affidavit of Absent Voter here.

The link above provides instructions on how to spoil your ballot and cast a new one. Scroll down to the FAQ's, and click "Can I Change My Vote, After Submitting My Absentee Ballot?" Also see the 2020 video below from Secretary of State Joselyn Benson explaining how to spoil your ballot.

Your Voting Rights 

The American Civil Liberties Union provides a summary of your election day rights. 

Even if your name is not on the list, you have the right to a provisional ballot. Click the link for more information from the American Civil Liberties Union. 

If you experience voter intimidation when trying to cast a ballot, the page above from the American Civil Liberties Union can provide you with more information about your options. 

A fact sheet defining forms of voter intimidation, the laws against it, and what to do if you see it. 

​​​​​​​Click on the link and choose your state to learn how to identify private militias, understand the laws surrounding them, and how to report unlawful activity in your state. 

In addition to listing your rights, this page from usa.gov will also tell you where and how to report voter suppression or fraud. 

Voter Fraud 

Uncertain about what voter fraud is and how it's committed? Click the link above for an article from Ballotpedia.org. 

The short answer is no. Depending on the state, voting twice could result in a felony conviction. Click the link above for more information. 

In addition to your voting rights, this website will also tell you where to report suspected voter crime or suppression. Just click the link above.