What's your plan to vote in Michigan?

Berrien County - Know Your Voting Rights (Part 1)

by Alexander Milnikel

In this first installment of a multi-part series, we’ll be covering some key points about registering to vote, voting itself, and overall comfortably knowing your voting rights as a Michigan resident and U.S. citizen.

Today, we’ll be covering some key calendar deadlines for Michigan’s August 6 primary election, and how to register and vote in Michigan’s August 6 primary election between now and next Tuesday, August 6.

Calendar Deadlines for Michigan’s August 6 Primary Election

In Michigan, voters have had the option to vote in person, with an absentee ballot, or at your city or township clerk’s office for the August 6 primary election since June 27, 2024. You can register to vote up through Election Day itself, but there are some key dates to understand.

1. If you did not register to vote online or by mail by July 22 for the primary - NOT the General Election - then between July 23 and August 6, you’ll need to register in person at your city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency.

1. If you did not mail in your ballot by July 23, 2024, it is strongly recommended that between July 24 and August 6, you return your ballot in person to your city or township clerk’s office or satellite office, or to a secure drop box provided by your clerk.

1. The mandatory early voting period in Michigan began on July 27, 2024, and runs through Sunday, August 4, 2024.

1. Monday, August 5, at 4 PM is the deadline to vote in person or with an absentee ballot AT YOUR CITY OR TOWNSHIP CLERK’S OFFICE if you’re registered to vote where you live. After August 5 at 4 PM, you MUST vote at your polling place on Election Day for the Primary Election, if you haven’t cast your vote already.

1. Tuesday, August 6 is the Michigan Primary Election Day! Polls are open 7 AM - 8 PM local time. If you need to register to vote, you CAN register and then vote at your city or township clerk’s office until 8 PM.

1. Finally, if you’re serving in the military or living overseas and attempting to vote in Michigan’s primary election, your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day (August 6) and received by August 12 to count.

Moving forward, we’ll have a lot more information about registering to vote and voting itself, useful whether you’re a first-time voter or just trying to brush up on your rights as a citizen and Michigan resident.

If you’d like to learn more on your own time outside of this site, there are multiple resources available that we strongly recommend. Some of the best places to start include (1) the Michigan Voter Information Center on the Michigan Department of State’s website, (2) MichiganVoting.org, and (3) your local city or township clerk’s office.