This year we have a variety of ways for you to get out and vote. One of those ways is the absentee ballot which allows you to vote from the comfort of your own home. You may however decide to leave your absentee ballot at home and vote in person during EARLY IN PERSON VOTING. Stay tuned for more information on early in person voting!
If you are taking advantage of the absentee ballot options here are some quick facts. For more information on absentee ballots or the presidential primary election in general, check out the Macomb County Election website.
Absentee Ballot Information: How it Works
To receive an absentee ballot, a voter needs to send an absentee ballot application to their local clerk, unless they are already on the permanent absentee voter list. Absentee ballots are provided and sent out starting 40 days before the election. Michigan voters have the option to join the permanent absentee ballot list, which results in their local clerk sending them an absentee ballot for all elections automatically.
Completing the Absentee Ballot and Returning it to Local Clerk
Each absentee ballot envelope will include a ballot, a secrecy sleeve, and ballot marking guidelines. If a voter makes an error while completing an absentee ballot, they should ask their local clerk's office for a new ballot to rectify the mistake.
Exercise CAUTION when completing an absentee voter ballot. Keep in mind that the presidential primary election uses a partisan ballot. Avoid crossing over, as it will invalidate your ballot.
Common Mistakes
Signing at the incorrect location
Noting an inaccurate date
Using a different signature from the one on record with your local clerk
Unintentionally selecting a non-preferred option on the ballot
Completing an absentee ballot: Voters are advised to carefully fill out their absentee ballot by following the written instructions provided with the ballot. Instructions may vary depending on the type of election. If voters have any questions about how to complete an absentee ballot, they can reach out to their local clerk for assistance.
Using the secrecy sleeve: Once completed, ballots should be placed in the secrecy sleeve according to the provided instructions.
Signing the absentee ballot envelope: Voters are required to sign and date the return envelope in the designated space. It is recommended that voters use their signature as it appears on their driver’s license, state ID, or voter registration application.
If a voter's signature does not fit in the designated space, they may use a shorter version that resembles the signature on file. Voters can also opt to sign a shortened form of their first name, such as "Bill" for "William".
Returning the absentee ballot: Voters have various secure options to return their completed and signed absentee ballot envelope. To be counted, absentee ballots must reach the voter's local clerk's office by 8 p.m. on Election Day, except for military and overseas ballots which must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the local clerk within 6 days after the election.
Lucia DiCicco
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