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1. Where can I register to vote?

You can register at any of the Secretary of State Offices, the Township Clerk’s Office, the County Clerk’s Office, and other state offices.

You may also register to vote by mail up to 15 days before an election. Within the 14 days before an election, you must register at the Township Clerk’s office with proof of residency.

2. When may I register to vote?

At any time; however, you must a resident of Texas Township for at least 30 days before an election in order to vote in that election. Voter registration must be in-person with the local clerk in the last 14 days before an election.

Learn more about voter registration at the Michigan Voter Information Center website.

3. May I pick up an absentee ballot for my spouse?

No. Election law allows for only the registered voter to obtain a ballot. However, you may pick up an application for an absentee ballot for your spouse and you can deliver a voted ballot of any member of your immediate family or any a member of your household.

4. Can I vote by absentee ballot?

Yes, if you are a registered voter, you may obtain an absent voter ballot. With the passing of Proposal 3 in 2018, a reason is no longer required to obtain a ballot.

5. I have power of attorney for my spouse. Can I pick up an absentee ballot for him/her?

No. Election law specifically states that power of attorney does not apply for voting purposes.

6. How can I vote by absentee ballot in every election?

Any registered voter may ask to be on the permanent absent voter list. Being on the permanent absentee voter list means that you will receive an absentee ballot application form for each election. This form needs to be completed and returned to the Clerk’s Office so we can mail you a ballot. Being on the permanent absentee list guarantees you will receive an absentee ballot application form, not a physical ballot.

7. I'm on the permanent absentee voter list, why didn't I receive a ballot?

Being on the permanent list does not guarantee a ballot for every election. Rather, it means that you will automatically receive an application for an absentee ballot. The application must be completed and returned to the Clerk’s Office prior to receiving a ballot.

8. Why do I need my photo I.D. at the polls?

The Michigan Supreme Court ruled on July 18, 2007, that a provision of Michigan election law that requires voters to either present picture identification or sign an affidavit if they do not have picture identification with them is constitutional and enforceable. (See MCL 168.523 for picture identification requirement.) While this requirement was originally enacted by the State Legislature in 1996, the requirement was never implemented due to a prior ruling issued through the Attorney General's office.

Due to this ruling, the County of Kalamazoo Clerk's Office Election Division and all other jurisdictions across the State will implement this new requirement beginning with the election on November 6, 2007. To implement this requirement, precinct election workers will ask voters for photo identification at the polls. The following are acceptable forms of photo identification, assuming they are current and a picture is provided:

Michigan Driver's License or Personal ID

Non-Michigan Driver's License or Personal ID

Federal or state government-issued ID

U.S. passport

Military ID

Student ID - high school or accredited institution of higher education

Tribal ID card

If the voter does not have an acceptable photo ID in his or her possession when offering to vote, that voter may sign an affidavit attesting that he or she is not in possession of a photo ID. A voter who completes an affidavit will be allowed to vote a regular ballot.