Changes Coming to Absentee Voting in Michigan

Since the state approved proposal two in the most recent state election, new changes are coming to absentee voting in Michigan. Proposal two in the state last year, allowed voters to opt into being added to the Permanent Mail ballot list starting in 2024 if they were already a part of the permanent Absentee voter list. The permanent absentee voter list will be eliminated next year for the new absentee process.

All Michigan registered voters can now be placed on the permanent mail ballot list. Any voter who desires to have themselves placed on the list is asked to inform the local county or city clerk in writing. Those individuals will then receive a mailed ballot in future elections. It is the responsibility of voters to inform municipal clerks of the desire to be added to the permanent mail ballot list, or for any changes to the voter’s status.

Houghton County Clerk Jennifer Kelly says this information is important to residential snowbirds, or those residents who live in the region during the warmer months and leave for the winter. Any voter wanting to vote absentee in the presidential primary, or general elections in 2024 will need to contact your municipal clerk to inform them of the intent to vote by absentee ballot. Individuals interested in learning more or would like to apply for the new mail ballot list can obtain a copy of the application from your municipal clerk or online.

Contact Houghton County Clerk Jennifer Kelly with any questions, or contact your local municipal clerk. Jennifer Kelly contact information: countyclerk@houghtoncounty.net or 906-482-1150.