Absentee Ballots should be Returned in Person, Via Drop Box for May 4 Elections

Visit Michigan.gov/Vote for election information

Voters in jurisdictions with an election on May 4 should return their absentee ballots as soon as possible, either by drop box or in person at their local city or township clerk’s office. Those who have not yet requested a ballot, or have requested one but have not received it, should visit their clerk’s office to request, fill out and submit their ballot all in one trip. Voters can find the operating hours, contact information and locations of their local clerk’s office and drop boxes at Michigan.gov/Vote.

“Michigan voters have options to cast their ballot in person or absentee, with each being equally accessible and secure,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Millions of citizens made their voices heard using absentee ballots and drop boxes last year, and voters can do so again in their local elections now.”

Absentee ballot requests sent by mail must be received by the clerk by 5 p.m. today, though voters have until 4 p.m. on Monday, May 3 to request an absentee ballot in person at their local clerk’s office. This close to the election, because of possible postal delays voters should not mail absentee ballots.

Voters who already have their ballot should fill it out at home, sign the back of the envelope and return it to a secure ballot drop box in their jurisdiction or their clerk’s office as soon as possible. Voters may also allow an immediate family member or a member of their household to drop off their sealed and signed ballot for them. All ballots must be received by the voter’s city or township clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day, May 4, to be counted.

Voters will also have the option to vote in person at their designated polling location, where COVID-19 prevention safeguards — including social distancing and the use of personal protection equipment by election workers — remain in place.

Voters can find out if they have a May 4 election, track their absentee ballot, find their drop box and clerk office locations, and view sample ballots at Michigan.gov/Vote.