Anyone can host or volunteer for a voter registration drive regardless of residency, age, or citizenship status! 

It is a great way for your club or organization to engage with campus. Click here for printable information.

Information for Registration Drives

When is it Appropriate to Host a Registration Drive?

They can be held at any time during the day! However, all registration forms collected must be delivered or postmarked to the appropriate clerk's office 15 days before an election to remain timely.

• Within 14 days of an election, voters can only register themselves in-person at their clerk's office, and they must bring proof of residency. 

Who Can Register (or Pre-Register) at a Registration Drive?

Anyone who is:

• A U.S. Citizen
• A resident of Michigan (must be a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days when you vote).
• 17.5 years or older (and must be 18 by Election Day to vote.)
• Not currently serving a jail or prison sentence

Quick Question, What is Pre-Registration?

It's new! Starting February 13, 2024, people between 16 and 17.5 years old - and who meet the other requirements listed above - may "pre-register" to vote.

• They may do this any way they would register to vote normally at 17.5 years old, including through a registration drive.
• If they do pre-register, they will have automatic active voter registration when they reach eligible registration age (17.5). 

How Can People Register or Pre-Register at a Registration Drive?

- There are two ways: by using a paper form or an online application.

• Paper forms are available to print in various languages, and in large print, here (or at mi.gov/vote under "voter forms and publications" found on the top left-hand side of links).
• Online forms are only available for those who meet registration or pre-registration requirements and also have either a Michigan driver's license or Michigan state ID. 
  • If these requirements are met, the link to register online is here (or at mi.gov/vote under "register to vote online" which is the very first top-left link). 

Do Individuals Need  Photo ID to Register to Vote?

No, but those who do have their Michigan driver's license, state ID card, or social security number should enter that data into the registration form where prompted.

• For individuals without those forms of ID, they are still able to register to vote by clicking a box that states " I do not have a valid Michigan-issued driver's license or Michigan-issued state ID, or a Social Security number."
  • However, when these people go to vote, they will need to present some sort of identification (paycheck stub, bank statement, government document, MyBanner information, etc. that shows the individuals' name and current address.

As a Registration Drive Host or Volunteer, Am I Able to Fill in Blanks or Correct Errors on Someone's Registration Form?

NO! Though, you can check over their paper and point out any errors or mistakes to the registrant so they can fix them.

Can Registrants Request an Absentee Ballot at a Voter Registration Drive?

Yes! They may request an absentee ballot for an upcoming election, but they must do it on separate form. While hosts/volunteers of the Registration Drive may provide the physical paper or online form link to registrants, they may not collect paper absentee ballot applications as part of the drive. They can ONLY collect registration forms.

• While not possible on the registration form, individuals can sign up to be on the Permanent Mail Ballot list by checking "automatically send me an absentee voter ballot for each future election for which I am eligible" on their absentee ballot application.
• Those who fill out the absentee ballot application form must hand it in to their clerk's office themselves, unless the Registration Drive is hosted by their clerk's office. 

 

*To check your registration status and confirm your polling location, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center.