Absentee Ballots in MI: What to Know About Signing, Returning & More

Filling out an absentee ballot can be a bit stressful if you don't know the rules. Here's what you need to know about how to avoid mistakes when filling out your ballot, how to sign and secure in the sleeve and when you need to submit the ballot for it to qualify for a Michigan election. Find this information and more at: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/elections/voting/absentee-voting#Return

Completing and returning an absentee ballot

Absentee ballot envelopes will contain a ballot, a secrecy sleeve, and ballot marking instructions. Voters who make a mistake when filling out an absentee ballot must request a new ballot from their local clerk’s office for the error to be corrected. Mistakes may include:

• Signing in the wrong place.

• Listing the incorrect date.

• Signing with a different signature than what is on file with your local clerk.

• Accidentally marking a non-preferred vote on the ballot.

Filling out an absentee ballot: Voters should complete their absentee ballot by carefully following the written instructions included with the ballot. Instructions may differ based on the type of election. Voters may contact their local clerk with questions about how to complete an absentee ballot.

Inserting the ballot into the secrecy sleeve: Completed ballots should be inserted into the secrecy sleeve as instructed.

Signing an absentee ballot envelope: Voters must sign and date the return envelope on the provided space. Voters should use their signature as shown on their driver’s license, state ID, or voter registration application.

If a voter’s signature does not fit in the provided space, a shorter signature that resembles the signature on record may be used. Voters may also sign a shortened version of their first name, for example, “Bill” for the name “William”. 

Returning the absentee ballot: Voters have several options to securely return their completed and signed absentee ballot envelope. Absentee ballots must be received by a voter’s local clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted, with the exception of military and overseas ballots which must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by their local clerk within 6 days after the election in order to be counted.

Locate your local clerk's office