In Michigan, people in jail awaiting arraignment, trial, or sentencing still have the right to vote. People only lose their right to vote while serving a sentence in prison or jail. 

 However, many eligible voters in jail don’t know they have the right to vote or aren’t able to access a ballot. Unfortunately, there is nothing that requires jail administrators to make voting accessible for eligible voters in jail. To remedy this problem, county clerks, jail administrators, and volunteer organizations, including VAAC, have been increasingly working together to provide voter education, voter registration applications, and absentee ballot applications to people who have the right to vote while incarcerated.  

Michiganders regain their right to vote immediately after serving a sentence in prison or jail. There are no other conditions, such as paying fines or fees. So, people with a felony record and people who are on probation, parole, or tether have the right to vote.  

 One of the largest barriers to returning citizens exercising their right to vote is they don’t know they have the right. Since laws are different from state to state, there is a lot of confusion, which leads to many people being misinformed about their rights. In Michigan it is very simple: you only lose your right to vote while serving a sentence in jail or prison.   

Upcoming Key Dates for the November 5 General Election:

 Now: Request a ballot by mail. You can do so online or you can submit a paper application. Or vote in person with an absentee ballot at your city or township clerk’s office.

If you want to vote by mail, we recommend that you request your ballot by October 15 to give yourself enough time to receive your ballot, complete it, and return it to your city or township clerk by the deadline. (In most cases, your completed ballot must be received by your city or township clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day to count. However, if you are serving in the military or living overseas, your completed ballot must be postmarked by Election Day and received by your city or township clerk by November 11.)

October 19: Early voting starts in Detroit.

October 21: Early voting starts in East Lansing and Canton. 

October 21: Last day to register to vote online or by mail (starting October 22, you’ll need to register in person at your city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency). 

October 26: Early voting starts statewide (first day of the mandatory early voting period).