Michigan’s November 3 General Election is less than a month away, and there is still time to make sure you are registered and ready to vote.

In Michigan, you can register to vote if:

• You are a U.S. citizen.
• You have lived in your Michigan city or township for at least 30 days by Election Day.
• You are at least 17½ years old and will be 18 by Election Day.
• You are not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison.

You do not need stable housing to register and vote, and being in a psychiatric hospital does not take away your right to vote.

Here are answers to some common questions.

I don’t have stable housing. Can I vote?

Yes.

You have the right to register and vote even if you do not have a permanent home or stable address.

You can use a place where you usually stay as your voting address. That may include:

• A shelter
• A street corner or park
• An advocacy or outreach center
• The home of someone who will accept your mail
• Another place where you usually stay

Michigan also allows people experiencing homelessness or housing instability to register and vote.

I’m in a psychiatric hospital. Can I vote?

Yes.

Being in a psychiatric hospital does not take away your right to vote.

Psychiatric hospitals must help patients who want to register and vote. If you are receiving care in a psychiatric hospital, you can work with your social worker to register and vote before Election Day using an absentee ballot.

I was recently in jail, or I’m in jail now. Can I vote?

YES! In Michigan, you can register and vote even if:

• You have a felony or misdemeanor conviction but are no longer serving a sentence.
• You are on probation, parole, or tether.
• You are awaiting arraignment, trial, or sentencing, whether you are in jail or not.

The exception: You cannot vote while you are currently serving a sentence in jail or prison. Once you are released, your voting rights are restored, even if you are on probation or parole.

A past conviction does not take away your right to vote in Michigan once you are no longer serving a jail or prison sentence.

I’m a student. Can I vote?

Yes.

Students who meet Michigan’s voting eligibility requirements can register and vote.

If you are from Michigan and attend school in Michigan, you can register using either your school address or your home address.

If you are from Michigan but attend school outside the state, you can register using your Michigan home address.

If you are from another state but attend school in Michigan, you can register using your Michigan school address.

You can only be registered to vote in one place.

What if the address on my Michigan ID is different?

Your Michigan voter registration address and the address on your Michigan driver’s license or state ID are connected.

If you change the address on your voter registration, the address connected to your Michigan driver’s license or state ID will also be updated. The Secretary of State will send you an address sticker to place on your license or state ID.

Important dates are coming up

If you still need to register or make your voting plan, here are the next dates to know:

Now: Absentee voting is underway

Registered voters can vote an absentee ballot in person at their city or township clerk’s office now.

If you plan to vote from home, you can also request an absentee ballot online or submit a paper application.

VAAC recommends requesting your absentee ballot by October 13 so you have enough time to receive it, complete it, and return it.

October 19: Last day to register online or by mail

October 19 is the last day to register to vote online or by mail for the November 3 General Election.

Beginning October 20, you can still register, but you will need to do it in person at your city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency.

October 20: Recommended last day to return an absentee ballot by mail

For most voters, VAAC recommends mailing a completed absentee ballot by October 20 to reduce the risk of postal delays.

After that, consider returning your ballot directly to your clerk’s office or an official secure drop box in your community.

October 24: Statewide early voting begins

Michigan’s required statewide early voting period begins Saturday, October 24.

All communities must offer in-person early voting at a designated early voting site beginning that day.

Use mi.gov/vote to find your early voting location, dates, and hours.

Check your registration now

You do not need to wait for a deadline.

Use mi.gov/vote to check your voter registration, register if needed, find your city or township clerk, request or track an absentee ballot, and find your early voting and Election Day information.

You can also view your sample ballot through VAAC’s My Ballot, My Power page.

Questions or problems voting? Call or text the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).