College and university students can register to vote at their home address or campus address. Students can still cast their ballot in person at their polling place. The Michigan Secretary of State‘s Office said it’s critical students register and vote as early as possible.
Age requirement to vote
Voters must be a U.S. citizen and 18 years old by Election Day in order to legally cast their ballot.
Registering with a Michigan campus address
Students can update their Michigan voter registration anytime, including up to and on Election Day.
Students can change their address on their voting registrations to vote from their campus instead if they’re registered at their home address in Michigan.
When students change their address on their voter registration, it will automatically update the address listed on their driver’s license or ID. After changing the recorded address, students will receive an address correction sticker or a new enhanced license/ID card with the updated address.
Within two weeks of an election through 8 p.m. on Election Day, voters can only change the address they are registered to vote in person at their local clerk’s office with proof of residency. After registering to vote, voters can cast their ballot in person at their local polling place.
Registering to vote with an out-of-state ID
A Michigan license or ID is not required to register to vote in the Mitten state. Voters can’t register online, and it‘s too late to register by mail. However, students can register to vote at their local clerk’s office in Michigan.
If a student is already registered to vote in another state, they have to contact their local clerk in that state to cancel their registration before voting in Michigan.
Proof of residency
It’s required to provide additional proof of residency if a voter is registering to vote in person in the 14 days before Election Day.
The following documents in paper or electronic format are acceptable to present at a local clerk’s office:
- Any document issued by a Michigan high school, college, or university, including:
- A webpage on your university student portal displaying your name and on-campus address (ex: Wolverine Access, StuInfo, Academica, CentralLink, Go WMU)
- Financial aid documents
- University registration forms
- Bank statement
- Utility bill (including gas, electric, internet, lease, or rental)
- Michigan license or ID
Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
Need help finding your polling location? We have you covered:
How to find your polling location
At each polling place on Election Day, election inspectors will be available to help voters and run elections.
It’s important to look up your local polling place on Election Day, just in case it has not moved to a different location.
Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center to find your polling location.
Before you head to the polls, voters should remember to look up their registration status to ensure it’s current.
Election Day
Polls open at 7 a.m. on Nov. 5, 2024, and close at 8 p.m.
Voters in line by 8 p.m. on Election Day have the right to register to vote in person at their local clerk’s office.
Related: Can you wear election-related clothing when you go to vote in Michigan?
Do‘s and Don’ts at your local polling place
- Do bring a voter information guide or pamphlet when voting, just be sure to take it when leaving.
- Do bring an interpreter if assistance is needed to vote in a language other than English.
- Do take a selfie outside the voting area.
- Do not wear campaign clothes or accessories into or within 100 feet of a polling place (stickers, hats, pins, etc.).
- Do not bring election or campaign flyers into or within 100 feet of a polling place.
- Do not take a photo within the voting area.
How to access your voter information
You can visit mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index to check your registration status, polling location, view your sample ballot, track your absentee ballot, find early voting information, and more.
Get a ride to the polls
Nonpartisan organizations and companies offer free rides to the polls and early voting sites in some areas. More information is available online at michiganvoting.org/rides.