VOTER ID
Since July 18, 2007, every Michigan voter must
present picture identification at the polls, or sign an
affidavit attesting he or she is not in possession of
picture identification.
Acceptable picture IDs include:
- Michigan driver’s license or Michigan personal
ID card; - Driver’s license or personal ID card issued by a
state other than Michigan; - Federal or state government-issued photo ID;
- U.S. passport;
- Military identification card with photo;
- Student identification with photo from a high
school or an accredited institution of higher
education; and - Tribal identification card with photo.
Voters who do not have acceptable picture ID or
forget to bring acceptable picture ID can vote like any
other voter by signing an affidavit. It will be counted
with all other ballots on Election Day.
Can I get a free ID?
That depends. State ID cards are free to individuals
who are 65 or older or who are blind. Cards also
are free to those who have had driving privileges
terminated due to a physical or mental disability.
You also may be able to get a free ID if you provide
good cause for a waiver. All others can get a state
identification card at their local secretary of state
branch office for $10. Visit www.michigan.gov/sos
for details on what forms are acceptable in order to
prove identity and residency, or call (888) SOS-MICH
(767-6424).
VOTER REGISTRATION
You must register at least 30 days before the election.
You can register by mail, but if you have never voted
in Michigan and register by mail, you must appear
in person to vote in the first election in which
you wish to participate. This requirement does not
apply if:
- You personally hand-deliver the mail-in registration
form to your county, city or township clerk’s office
instead of mailing the form; - You are 60 or older;
- You are disabled; or
- You are eligible to vote under the Uniformed and
Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. If you have
never voted in Michigan and register by mail, you
also may be subject to identification requirements
provided under federal law. The identification
requirements are explained on the mail-in
registration form.
VOTING
Find your polling place by visiting the Michigan Voter
Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote or call
the Department of State Information Center at
(888) 767-6424.