DETROIT – Absentee voting is now underway in Michigan.
Here’s what you need to know if you want to take advantage of this voting option.
Who can vote absentee?
All registered Michigan voters can vote absentee. Unless you’re on the permanent absentee ballot list, you must request an absentee ballot from your local clerk’s office or online.
The ballot will be mailed to your house.
When is the deadline to request an absentee ballot?
The last day to request an absentee ballot in person at your clerk’s office is November 4.
Online absentee ballot applications may be submitted until 5 p.m. on October 25. But it’s best to request an absentee ballot at least 15 days before Election Day to make sure you have time to receive and return your ballot.
Where should you return your completed absentee ballot?
Absentee ballots can be returned by mail to your local clerk’s office or your clerk’s secure drop boxes.
If you prefer to send it by mail, it’s advised that you do so by October 22to make sure your local clerk’s office receives your ballot.
The deadline for the ballots to be inserted in drop boxes is 8 p.m. on November 5, which is the date of the election. Many clerks prefer that voters use drop boxes rather than USPS.
Voters can also return their ballots to an early voting site, which begins October 26, or on Election Day to be counted.
What happens to absentee ballots after they’re submitted?
The absentee ballots are securely stored until they’re processed and tabulated.
Clerks can begin processing absentee ballots up to 8 days before the election. However, votes won’t be counted until the polls close on November 5.
Voters can check with their clerk’s office to make sure their ballots were received.
What happens if you want to change your vote after submitting an absentee ballot?
You can submit a written request to your local clerk’s office to spoil your ballot if it has been returned to the clerk.
The request must be received by 5 p.m. on October 25.
Is absentee voting secure?
According to the Michigan Secretary of State’s office, there are records and procedures to prevent double or fraudulent voting.
Signatures are verified to confirm a ballot’s validity.
There are processes featuring bipartisan election workers.