Michigan
Prepared by the Voices of the Electorate -- Election Protection Task Force
1) On Election Day, each polling place opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 8:00 p.m E.S.T. unless you are in a county governed by C.S.T., in which case polling hours may be different. If you are in line at your polling place when the polls close, you have the right to vote in the election.1
2) If your name is not listed in the registration records or precinct voting list, you have the right to cast a challenged vote after (i) completing a new application and (ii) otherwise meet the qualifications to vote if you have a voter registration application receipt or sign an affidavit affirming that you submitted an voter registration application on or before the close of registration and provide satisfactory proof of your identity and residence if you do not have a voter registration application receipt.2
3) If you have moved from one county to another county within the state after the sixtieth day before an election, you have the right to vote at your old polling place or by absentee ballot upon signing a form containing an affidavit stating that you moved since you registered to vote.3
4) If you have moved within the same township, city, or village from one precinct to another and have not transferred your registration, you have the right to vote at the polling place for your old residence upon executing a transfer of registration request and listing your new residence address over your signature in the precinct register. You only have the right to vote at your old precinct in the election immediately following your move.4
5) If you have moved within the same county after the sixtieth day before an election, you have the right to vote at the place of your new residence or the office of the clerk if (i) you apply for registration in person and execute a registration affidavit, (ii) you provide satisfactory proof of your identity and residence, and (iii) the clerk is satisfied that you are presently registered in another township, city or village of the same county. If the clerk requires that you vote at the office of the clerk, you may vote by absentee ballot.5
6) If you are disabled or cannot read or write, you have the right to request assistance to help you vote. If you are blind, you may be assisted by a member of your immediate family or by any person you designate over 18 years of age. If you cannot read or write or have a disability other than blindness, you will be assisted by two inspectors of election.6
7) If you have been convicted of a crime, and have been lawfully released from prison, you have the right to vote upon registering to vote. If you are confined in a jail, but have not been convicted or sentenced, and you are otherwise a qualified elector, you may request to register to vote by having your registration application notarized. You will be deemed a resident of the city, township, and address at which you resided prior to confinement.7
8) If you make a mistake and “spoil” your ballot and you have not cast it, you have the right to receive another ballot and vote.8
9) If you have requested and received an absentee ballot and have lost or destroyed it, or you did not receive your absentee ballot after submitting the request and subsequently decide to vote in person, you have the right to vote in person upon returning the unused absentee ballot or signing an affidavit that you have lost or did not receive the absentee ballot.9
10) If your qualification to vote is challenged and you answer all questions establishing that you are a qualified voter, you have the right to vote a regular ballot.10
11) You have the right to bring your minor children into the voting booth with you.11
12) When you are within 100 feet of a polling place entrance (or inside the polling place or room), you have the right to vote (or wait to vote) without anyone electioneering or trying to influence your vote in any other way.12
13) You have the right to take this bill of rights into the voting booth with you.13
[1] Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 168.720, 721 (2002)
[2] Id. § 168.509y
[3] Id. § 168.507a
[4] Id. § 168.507
[5] Id. § 168.507b
[6] Id. § 167.751
[7] Id. § 168.758b; Civil Rights Division, DOJ, “Restoring Your Right to Vote: Michigan” (Dec. 2000)
[8] Mich. Comp. Laws § 168.492a
[9] Id. § 168.740
[10] Id. § 168.769
[11] Id. § 168.729
[12] Id. § 168.736a
[13] Id. § 168.744
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