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Here's what you need to know if you're voting in Michigan in 2012:

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: http://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 https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/ or call the Department of State Information Center at (888) 767-6424.

Does Michigan allow early voting?
No. Michigan does not have early voting. However, qualified Michigan voters can cast absentee ballots prior to Election Day.

ABSENTEE VOTING

How do I apply for an absentee voter ballot?
You can download an absentee ballot application from the Michigan secretary of state website at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/AbsentVoterBallot_105377_7.pdf

Absentee voter ballots are available for all elections. As a registered voter, you may obtain an absentee voter ballot if you are:

  • Age 60 years or older;
  • Unable to vote without assistance at the polls;
  • Expecting to be out of town on election day;
  • In jail awaiting arraignment or trial;
  • Unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons; or
  • Appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence.

Your request for an absentee voter ballot must be in writing and can be submitted to your city or township clerk. (For assistance in obtaining the address of your city or township clerk, see https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/votersearch.aspx.) Your request must include one of the six statutory reasons stated above and your signature. You must be a registered voter to receive an absentee ballot. Requests to have an absentee voter ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 2 p.m. the Saturday before the election.

After receiving your absentee voter ballot, you have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to complete the ballot and return it to the clerk's office. Your ballot will not be counted unless your signature is on the return envelope and matches your signature on file.

For more information on voting, call the Michigan Department of State Information Center toll free at (888) 767-6424 or go to https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/votersearch.aspx.