Elections

To vote absentee, you simply request an absent voter ballot in writing, and submit the request to your city clerk. This request can be made by submitting an application, a letter, or a postcard. Requests must have your registered name, address, where you want the ballot sent, and your signature. It may be returned in person, by postal mail, fax, or email as long as your signature is visible. Applications can be obtained from your city clerk's office or online at Michigan Voter Information Center (a link is below).

There are many organizations sending out applications for an absent voter ballot. If you receive an application, and do not wish to vote absentee, simply disregard the application and visit your polling place to vote on Election Day between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. You are not obligated to vote absentee just because you received an application.

To have a ballot mailed to you, your application or request must be received by the city clerk no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before the election. You also may request an absent voter ballot in person at the city clerk's office until 4 p.m. on the Monday before an election. If you request an absent voter ballot on Monday, you must vote it in person at the clerk's office.

Once your request is received by the local clerk, your signature on the request will be checked against your voter registration record before a ballot is issued. You must be a registered voter to receive an absent voter ballot (but you can register and request an absent voter ballot at the same time - see below). Requests for absent voter ballots are processed when received. Absent voter ballots may be issued to you at your home address or any address outside of your city or township of residence.

After receiving your absent voter ballot, you have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to complete the ballot and return it to the clerk's office. Your ballot won't be counted unless your signature is on the return envelope and matches your signature on file. If you received assistance voting the ballot, then the signature of the person who helped you also must be on the return envelope. Only you, a family member or person residing in your household, a mail carrier or election official is authorized to deliver your signed absent voter ballot to your clerk's office.

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. Please contact your local clerk for more information about emergency absent voter ballots.

You may request an absent voter ballot at the same time as registering to vote. If you register on the Monday before an election and request an absent voter ballot at the same time, you must vote it at the clerk's office. If you register on Election Day, you may either request an absent voter ballot and vote it at the clerk's office, or instead of requesting an absent voter ballot you may go to the precinct and vote.

When filling out the application, please note the option to be added to the Permanent Absent Voter List. All you do is check the box. The permanent list allows the clerk to send you an application before every election, but there is no commitment. If you choose to vote by mail, simply complete and return it. If you decide you would like to vote in person for that election, you may do so, just disregard the application. No ballots are sent automatically.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact my office for more information!

Sara Anderson
Alma City Clerk
989-463-8336

Voters may register to vote in the State of Michigan no later than 15 days prior to an election at the Secretary of State Office. On day 0-14 before the election date, in person registration needs to take place at the City Clerk's office. Residency Verification needs to be supplied to the Clerk.

Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center. Their website provides a vast assortment of information related to voter registration and election administration in Michigan.

From the Michigan Voter Information Center, you can determine if you are registered to vote, find your polling location, contact your local election official, learn to use your voting equipment, find answers to frequently asked questions, and view your sample ballot.

Individuals Are Eligible to Register to Vote If They Meet the Following Qualifications:

• A United States citizen.

• A resident of the State of Michigan and a 30-day resident of the City of Alma.

• At least 18 years of age by Election Day.

Visit the Secretary of State website to see if you are already registered to vote.

Download a Michigan Voter Registration Application at the link below.

Individuals may also register at the Secretary of State's Office, City Clerk's Office, County Clerk's Office, or any Armed Forces recruitment office.