Michigan extending absentee voting for May 5 elections

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-27 on March 27, which encourages Michiganders to vote absentee by mail by extending the dates for voting this way.

“While we work to slow the spread of COVID-19, we must do everything we can to encourage Michiganders to stay home and stay safe,” said Governor Whitmer. “The fewer people we have lining up at polling places the better, ensuring Michiganders safely practice social distancing while allowing them to safely exercise their right to vote in local elections.”

Michiganders who want to register to vote are strongly encouraged to do so by April 20. Registration can be done online or a form may be printed and mailed in.

If this date is missed, an in-person visit at the township or city clerk’s office can be set up over the phone.

Clerks will also accept applications and proof of residency by mail, email, or fax.

“I am grateful to Governor Whitmer for recognizing the critical need to protect public health while ensuring Michigan citizens are able to exercise their fundamental right as voters in our democracy,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Our sharpest tool to ensure citizens do not have to choose between casting a ballot and risking their health is the constitutional right they have to vote by mail, which voters themselves enshrined in our state constitution in 2018.”