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 to avoid mistakes when filling out your ballot, how to sign and secure it in the sleeve, and when you need to submit it for it to qualify for a Michigan election. See below for the League of Women Voters' suggested last day to put your mail-in ballot in the mail.

Find this information plus how to apply for an absentee ballot, how to track your ballot, and more at: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/elections/voting/absentee-voting#Return

Potential mistakes to watch for when filling out your ballot: Don't worry, if you make a mistake when filling out an absentee ballot, you can request a new ballot from your local clerk’s office for the error to be corrected.   Find your city or township clerk's office. Mistakes can 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 vote you did not intend on the ballot.

Filling out an absentee ballot: As a Michigan citizen, your absentee ballot will include a ballot, a secrecy sleeve, and ballot-marking instructions. Your ballot includes written instructions to follow. Instructions can differ by election type, so even if you have voted by mail before, be sure to read them. You can contact your local clerk with any questions you have about how to complete an absentee ballot.  Find your city or township clerk's office.

Inserting the ballot into the secrecy sleeve: Follow the instructions closely for inserting the completed ballot into the secrecy sleeve.

Signing an absentee ballot envelope: Don't forget to sign and date the return envelope in the provided space. Use the signature that matches the signature on your driver’s license, state ID, or voter registration application.

If your signature does not fit in the provided space, you can use a shorter signature that resembles the signature on record. For example, t is also okay to sign a shortened version of your first name,"Bill" instead of "William." 

Returning the absentee ballot: Absentee ballots must be received by your 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).

The League of Women Voters is suggesting that October 19, 2026, is the last day you should put your ballot in the mail to ensure it is counted for the November 2026 midterm election. Starting October 20, 2026, we recommend dropping your ballot off at your city or township clerk's office or in a secure drop box by 8 PM on November 3, 2026. Find your city or township clerk's office. You can also bring your absentee ballot to your polling location on November 3, 2026.

New in 2024, you can take your completed absentee ballot to your early voting site. Leelanau County's early voting location is the Leelanau County Government Center, and it runs from October 24 through November 1, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day, including Saturdays and Sundays. Find other county early voting sites.

Spoiling Your Ballot

In certain circumstances, absentee voters can request to “spoil” their ballot, or change their vote, after submitting it. You must do this at your city or township clerk's office. Find your city or township clerk's office.