August primary election's voter registration deadline nears

Absentee ballots available for those who qualify

LANSING, Mich. – The deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 5 primary is Monday, July 7.

"Registering takes just a few moments of your time, and the benefits are boundless," said Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, Michigan's chief election officer. "Once you register, you are able to vote in Michigan elections and make your voice heard. I encourage you to register today."

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Voters can register by mail or in person at any Secretary of State office or at their county, city, or township clerk's office.

Residents must be 18 years or older and be a U.S. citizen to register. Those who wish to register must do so in the city or township in which they reside.

Voters who qualify can cast an absentee ballot. To qualify for an absentee ballot a registered voter must be at least one of the following:

- 60 years or older
- Physically unable to go to the polls without assistance
- Expecting to be absent the entire time polls are open on Election Day
- In jail awaiting trial or arraignment
- Unable to attend polls for religious reasons
- Working as an election inspector in a precinct outside the precinct of residence

Voters will be asked to provide valid photo identification at the polls. Those who do not have a valid photo ID or failed to bring it with them can still vote by signing an affidavit.

Accepted forms of photo ID include:

- Michigan driver's license or identification card
- Driver's license or personal identification card issued from another state
- Federal or state government-issued photo identification
- U.S. passport
- Military identification card with photo
- Student identification with photo from a high school or an accredited institution of higher education, such as a college or university
- Tribal identification card with photo

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

The mail-in registration form is available here.

To check your registration status, see a sample ballot or find polling places visit the Michigan Voter Information Center.Â