GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, and early voting is already underway in Michigan. But some Michiganders are still waiting to cast their ballot.
With this in mind, are you registered to vote? If not, you're in luck. Voters can register all the way up through Election Day itself in Michigan.
Monday, Oct. 21 is the last day to register online. After Monday, all registrations will need to be done in-person.
How to check voter registration
If you're wanting to check your registration status as Election Day gets closer, here's what you should know.
You can visit the Michigan Secretary of State's website and provide your information — first and last name; birth month and year; and zip code.
The website will then tell you everything you need to know to vote including your registration status, polling place and even a sample ballot. That same lookup can also be used to track your absentee ballot.
If you head to the polls on Election Day and find out you're not registered to vote, it's not too late to do so. You can register that day at your clerk's office and receive a ballot to fill out.
What you need to register to vote
To vote in an election in Michigan, you must be a United States citizen, at least 18 years old and a resident of Michigan.
Registering in person requires a voter to fill out an application at their local clerk's office and provide proof of residency. The application to register asks voters to provide a driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number.
If you aren't able to provide either of those, you will be asked to provide a copy of a current and valid photo ID or a copy of a paycheck stub, utility bill, bank statement or a government document that lists your name and address.
Examples of proof of residency include the following:
- Michigan driver’s license, state ID, or U.S. Passport
- A utility bill
- Insurance documents (health, car, home, etc.)
- A bank or credit card statement
- Financial aid or school enrollment documents
- A lease agreement
- A paycheck or other government check
- Other government document
You are encouraged to bring a photo ID with you to the polls, but are not required to show ID to cast a ballot. If you vote without an ID, you must sign an Affidavit of Voter Not in Possession of Picture Identification.
Dates to know
- Monday, Oct. 21 — Last day to register online
- Saturday, Oct. 26 — Early in-person voting begins
- Sunday, Nov. 3 — Early in-person voting ends
- Tuesday, Nov. 5 — Election Day
