Absentee Voting

About Absentee Voting

All Michigan voters can request an absentee ballot for any reason in any election.

The 2024 Presidential Primary election is the last election the State of Michigan is supporting the automatic absentee application mailing list, in favor of the new permanent absentee ballot mailing list. Absentee ballot applications will not be automatically mailed following the Presidential Primary election. If you want to have your ballot mailed to you for all future elections, you must check the box to join the Permanent Absentee Ballot Mailing list on the Absentee Ballot Application.

Notice: If you move and fail to update your voter registration you will be removed from the Permanent Absentee Ballot Mailing list. 

How to Obtain an Absentee Ballot Application

For voters not on the Permanent Absentee Ballot Mailing List, the absentee voting process begins with obtaining an application:

Information for Military and Overseas Civilian Voters

Active duty military and overseas civilian voters who are eligible to vote in Michigan, can find out information about special accommodations, as well as how to register to vote or request an absentee ballot at:

Accessible Electronic Absent Voter Ballot Application

Voters with print disabilities may apply for an accessible electronic absent voter ballot that can be completed electronically, printed, and returned to the local clerk. To apply online for an accessible electronic absent voter ballot at:

Returning an Absentee Application or Absentee Ballot

Absentee ballot applications MUST be returned to the Clerk's Office no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before the election. Absentee ballots MUST be returned to the City Clerk's Office on or before Election Day at 8 pm to be counted. 

  • Return by mail to:
    Clerk's Office
    P.O. Box 1647
    Midland, MI 48641-1647
  • Return to any of the Official Ballot Drop Boxes located:
    • Outside the Larkin St. entrance to City Hall
    • Barstow Airport across from the terminal
    • Civic Arena first driveway at the sidewalk 
  • Return your absentee ballot application via email to: clerk@midland-mi.org. DO NOT EMAIL YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT! 

Emergency Absent Voter Ballot

If an emergency, such as a sudden illness or family death prevents you from reaching the polls on election day, you may request an emergency absent voter ballot. Requests for an emergency ballot must be submitted after the deadline for regular absent voter ballots has passed but before 4 p.m. on election day. The emergency must have occurred at a time which made it impossible for you to apply for a regular absent voter ballot.