Early in-person voting begins in Michigan for 2024 presidential primary: How it works

DETROIT – Early in-person voting begins for many Michigan regions on Saturday for the 2024 presidential primary election.

Michigan is one of the latest states to offer an early in-person voting option in addition to early absentee voting, which takes place by mail. Instead of voting on Election Day, voters can head to the polls days in advance to cast their vote, and even receive their “I Voted” stickers.

It’s the first time ever that Michigan is allowing early in-person voting for a statewide election.

Election Day for the 2024 presidential primary election in Michigan is Tuesday, Feb. 27. The state mandates that all local clerks’ offices must allow an early voting option for this election starting no later than Saturday, Feb. 17 — though clerks could begin offering early in-person voting up to 29 days before Election Day.

—> Michigan 2024 primary election: Ballot information, key deadlines

Early in-person voting will be an option for all statewide and national elections in Michigan going forward. Here’s how it works:

How early voting works

Early in-person voting will operate pretty much the same as regular in-person voting does. You must be registered to vote, and then you can head to your polling location to fill out your ballot.

Your polling precinct for early in-person voting may differ from your typical polling precinct. Some voters may be assigned to one specific early voting location, while others may have several locations to choose from.

Local clerks are required provide early in-person voting for at least eight hours a day. The voting time frame on Election Day is always 7 a.m.-8 p.m., but the time frame for early voting will likely differ per community.

Michigan residents can register to vote in person each day leading up to, and even on, Election Day. Residents can register to vote and head to the polls for early in-person voting on the same day, as well.

Much like voting on Election Day, if you’re in line to vote on an early voting day and the voting site closes, you are still allowed to stay in line and cast your ballot.

Learn more about early in-person voting on the Michigan government website here.

Who’s eligible to vote early in person?

All Michigan voters are allowed to vote early in-person for any election that offers it. Voters are not required to have a reason to vote early.

Michigan voters in 2022 approved a constitutional amendment that allows voters to access early in-person voting for statewide and federal elections. Individual communities are also allowed to provide early in-person voting for local elections, if they wish, the state says.

Michigan is now one of 46 states to offer early in-person voting to all voters, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Registering to vote in Michigan

Not yet registered to vote? The deadline to register to vote online or by mail in order to vote in the primary election was Feb. 12. You can, however, register to vote in person anytime before the election, and even on Election Day.

If you move to a new city or township, you must re-register to vote. If you move within a city or township and are already registered to vote, you only need to update your address with the city/township clerk.

If you have a valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID you can use the online form to register to vote, or update your voter registration address in Michigan.

Once you’re officially registered to vote in Michigan, you will be assigned a physical polling location at which you can vote on Election Day.

Absentee voting (vote-by-mail)

Those who choose to vote absentee will receive their ballots in the mail.

Completed absent voter ballots can be mailed to your local clerk, or dropped off at a secure drop box location in your community. The deadline to mail your completed absent voter ballot is Feb. 23.