You have the right to vote in Michigan even if you don’t have a photo ID. But if you do have a photo ID, we strongly encourage you to bring it with you when you vote to make the process go faster. If you don’t have a photo ID or don’t have it with you when you go to vote, you can sign a simple form (called an affidavit), and you will be able to vote.

 You can use the following types of photo IDs for voting purposes in Michigan: a Michigan driver’s license or personal ID card (can be current or expired), a current driver’s license or personal ID card issued by another state, a current federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID, a current U.S. passport, a current Military photo ID, a current student photo ID from an educational institution, or a current tribal photo ID card. 

 A small number of first-time voters who registered through the mail or a voter registration drive will need to provide some type of ID in order to vote if:

• This is your first time voting in Michigan, AND
• You registered to vote through the mail or a voter registration drive, AND
• You did not provide your Michigan driver’s license number, Michigan state ID number, or Social Security number when you registered to vote.

 (For more details check out “What else do I need to know about voting” in the Know Your Voting Rights Guide.) 

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 (first day that the Early Voting Center at WKAR on Michigan State University’s campus will be open) 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).

Make sure you are ready to vote! Watch video below to learn how to fill out your ballot in Michigan's November 2024 General Election.

How to fill out your ballot for the November 5 General Election