2020 Elections In Michigan: Dates You Need To Know

MICHIGAN — It's a big year in the political arena and Michigan will take center stage as a battleground state in the nation's presidential election. We've rounded up the dates you need to know about to let your voice be heard this year, from the primary to the general election later this year.

Here's the information you need to plan out your election year:

2020 Election dates

March 10, 2020 - Presidential primary (click here for your guide on voting absentee)
June 20, 2020 - Delivery of military and overseas AV ballots must begin for the August election.
July 20, 2020 - last day to register (not in person)
July 21 through August 4 - In-person registration with local clerk with proof of residency by 8 p.m.
Aug. 3, 2020 - Electors may obtain an absent voter ballot in person in the clerk’s office by 4 p.m.
Aug. 4, 2020 - State primary
Oct. 19, 2020 -Last day to register (not in person)
Oct. 20 through Nov. 3 - In-person registration with local clerk with proof of residency by 8 p.m.
Nov. 3, 2020 - General Election (Emergency absentee voting for November general election up until 4 p.m.)

Handy voter information

In person registration can be done up until the day of elections at the local city clerk’s office. No reason absentee voting is also legal in Michigan now and can be requested from the local city clerk’s office.

Polls open in Michigan at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. If you are standing in line at 8 p.m., you will be permitted to vote.

Find your polling place

You can check where you need to vote, your local polling place, precinct number and voter registration information by clicking here.

Check your sample ballot

Click here to find your sample ballot.

Do I need my voter registration card in order to vote?

No. As long as you are in the correct polling location, your name will appear on the registration list supplied to your precinct.

Do I need to show identification in order to vote?

Michigan does have a voter identification requirement at the polls. Voters are asked to present an acceptable photo ID such as a Michigan driver's license or identification card. Please note that voters who do not have an acceptable form of ID or failed to bring it with them to the polls still can vote. They simply sign a brief affidavit stating that they're not in possession of a photo ID. Their ballots are included with all others and counted on Election Day.
The following types of photo ID are acceptable:

• Michigan driver's license or state-issued ID card
• 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

The ID does not need your address.

Newly enacted voting rules

Absentee voting

• Any registered voter can now vote by absentee ballot without having to provide an excuse to local clerks.
• Applications for those ballots are available from county, township and city clerks' offices or at Michigan.gov/vote.
• Completed ballots can be mailed or dropped off in person at your township or city clerk's office.
• They must be signed and received by 8 p.m. on election day.

Registering to vote

• People can register to vote in person with their township or city clerk through Election Day. But if you wait until Election Day to register, it can't be done at your voting precinct. It must be done at your local clerk's office.
• Voters must verify their residence when registering to vote with one of these pieces of identification: a driver's license or state identification card; a current utility bill; a bank statement, a paycheck or government check.
• The documents must contain the voters' name and current address.