does my vote really count?
Yes. Local and state elections are frequently decided by a few hundred votes — sometimes fewer. Your city council, school board, and state legislature shape more of your daily life than most national races, and those are exactly the races where turnout is lowest and one vote carries the most weight.
am I eligible to vote in Michigan?
You’re eligible if you’re a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and a resident of the city or township where you’re registering for at least 30 days before the election.
I have a felony record. Can I vote?
In Michigan, yes — as long as you are not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison. You do not lose your right to vote for a past conviction, probation, or parole.
what if I move before Election Day?
Update your registration with your new address as soon as you can — online, by mail, or in person. If you move within 30 days of an election, you can still vote a normal ballot at your old address, or an updated ballot at your new city/township clerk’s office.
do I need an ID to vote?
You’ll be asked to show photo ID at your polling place. If you don’t have one, you can sign an affidavit instead and still vote a normal ballot — no ID is required to vote in Michigan.
I’m 16 or 17. Can I do anything?
If you’re 17½ or older, you can pre-register right now, so your registration is automatically activated and your ballot is ready the moment you turn 18.
what’s the difference between the primary and the general election?
The primary narrows the field of candidates within each party. The general election in November is when voters choose from those finalists. Local ballot measures and nonpartisan races (like judges and school boards) often appear on both.
how do I know what’s actually on my ballot?
Use the Michigan Voter Information Center to view a sample ballot specific to your address before Election Day, so nothing on the actual ballot surprises you.
Still have a question we didn’t cover? Email us and we’ll get you a straight answer.