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Key 2026 dates

Date	What happens
Oct 19, 2026	Last day to register online or by mail (15 days before Election Day).
Oct 20 – Nov 3	Register in person at your city or township clerk with proof of residency.
Oct 24 – Nov 1	Statewide early in-person voting window.
Oct 30, 2026	Last day to request an absentee ballot by mail.
Nov 3, 2026	Election Day. Polls open 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Are you eligible?

U.S. citizen and Michigan resident.
Resident of your city or township for at least 30 days by Election Day.
At least 17.5 years old to register; 18 by Election Day to vote.
Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison.
Ages 16 to 17.5 can preregister now and vote automatically at 18.

How to register

Online at Michigan.gov/Vote with a Michigan driver's license or state ID — fastest option, available up to 15 days before the election.
By mail using the Michigan Voter Registration Application, postmarked at least 15 days before Election Day.
In person at your clerk's office any time, including Election Day — bring proof of residency such as a lease, utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck.

Already registered? Confirm your address and find your ballot at Michigan.gov/Vote before you head out.

Voter ID at the polls

Bring photo ID if you have it: Michigan driver's license or state ID, U.S. passport, school or college ID, military ID, tribal ID, or another government-issued photo ID.

No ID with you? You can still vote. Sign a short affidavit at the polls and you will receive a regular ballot that is counted like everyone else's.

Three ways to vote

Absentee by mail

Request a ballot any time; the mail request deadline is Oct 30, 2026. Return it to your clerk or a secure drop box by 8:00 PM on Election Day.

Early in person

Vote at an early voting site Oct 24 – Nov 1, 2026. Same ballot, shorter lines, no excuse needed.

Election Day

Vote at your assigned precinct on Nov 3, 2026. Polls open 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM. If you are in line at 8:00 PM, stay — you are entitled to vote.

Students

Register at either your home address or your school address — pick one. Out-of-town students should request an absentee ballot early.

Your rights as a voter

You may vote without photo ID by signing an affidavit.
You may ask a poll worker for help, or bring someone to assist you.
You may request a new ballot if you make a mistake.
You may vote if you are in line when polls close at 8:00 PM.
Intimidation at the polls is illegal — report it to your clerk immediately.

Who to contact

Pontiac City Clerk

47450 Woodward Ave, Pontiac, MI 48342
(248) 758-3200

Oakland County Clerk / Elections

1200 N Telegraph Rd, Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0564

Michigan Voter Information Center

Michigan.gov/Vote
Registration, ballot preview, clerk lookup.

Election Protection Hotline

1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683)
Free, nonpartisan help on Election Day.