Ahead of the 2020 election, over 88 million Americans have requested a mail-in ballot. If you requested your absentee ballot in order to make your voice heard while staying safe during the pandemic, there are some things you need to know as we near Election Day to ensure that your ballot is counted.
First, make sure that you're registered to vote by checking your status at Can I Vote. All states have different deadlines and requirements for registration; in Michigan, the registration deadline passed for mail-in voters on October 19. Missed the deadline? You can still register until 8 PM on Election Day, November 3 at your city or township clerk's office, but you will need to vote in person.
Next, if you haven't done so already, request an absentee ballot. Michigan mailed an absentee ballot application to every registered voter, and the request must be received by 5 PM the Friday before the election, October 30th.
Once you have your absentee ballot, be sure to read the instructions fully prior to casting your vote. Filling out the form incorrectly puts your vote at risk of being delayed or worse, not counted at all. Additionally, when it comes to signing your ballot, the clerk's office compares your signature to the one on your state ID or driver's license so do not add anything to your signature--sign with your regular signature, and check it against your ID.
When your ballot is complete, you have options on how to return it. In Michigan, you can send your ballot by mail, drop it off at an official drop box, or return it in person at your clerk's office. No matter how you return your ballot, it must be received by your clerk's office by 8 PM on Election Day.
It's impossible to make a blanket statement about absentee voting in every state. For more in-depth information about voting in Michigan, and for information on voting if you are in another state, please visit the sources below:
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