Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Voting & Elections FAQ
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Voting & Elections FAQ
You can register at any of the Secretary of State Offices, the Township Clerk’s Office, the County Clerk’s Office, and other state offices.
You may also register to vote by mail up to 15 days before an election. Within the 14 days before an election, you must register at the Township Clerk’s office with proof of residency.
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Voting & Elections FAQ
At any time; however, you must a resident of Texas Township for at least 30 days before an election in order to vote in that election. Voter registration must be in-person with the local clerk in the last 14 days before an election.
Learn more about voter registration at the Michigan Voter Information Center website.
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Voting & Elections FAQ
No. Election law allows for only the registered voter to obtain a ballot. However, you may pick up an application for an absentee ballot for your spouse and you can deliver a voted ballot of any member of your immediate family or any a member of your household.
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Voting & Elections FAQ
Yes, if you are a registered voter, you may obtain an absent voter ballot. With the passing of Proposal 3 in 2018, a reason is no longer required to obtain a ballot.
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Voting & Elections FAQ
No. Election law specifically states that power of attorney does not apply for voting purposes.
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Voting & Elections FAQ
Any registered voter may ask to be on the permanent absent voter list. Being on the permanent absentee voter list means that you will receive an absentee ballot application form for each election. This form needs to be completed and returned to the Clerk’s Office so we can mail you a ballot. Being on the permanent absentee list guarantees you will receive an absentee ballot application form, not a physical ballot.
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Voting & Elections FAQ
Being on the permanent list does not guarantee a ballot for every election. Rather, it means that you will automatically receive an application for an absentee ballot. The application must be completed and returned to the Clerk’s Office prior to receiving a ballot.
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Voting & Elections FAQ
The Michigan Supreme Court ruled on July 18, 2007, that a provision of Michigan election law that requires voters to either present picture identification or sign an affidavit if they do not have picture identification with them is constitutional and enforceable. (See MCL 168.523 for picture identification requirement.) While this requirement was originally enacted by the State Legislature in 1996, the requirement was never implemented due to a prior ruling issued through the Attorney General's office.
Due to this ruling, the County of Kalamazoo Clerk's Office Election Division and all other jurisdictions across the State will implement this new requirement beginning with the election on November 6, 2007. To implement this requirement, precinct election workers will ask voters for photo identification at the polls. The following are acceptable forms of photo identification, assuming they are current and a picture is provided:
Michigan Driver's License or Personal ID
Non-Michigan Driver's License or Personal ID
Federal or state government-issued ID
U.S. passport
Military ID
Student ID - high school or accredited institution of higher education
Tribal ID card
If the voter does not have an acceptable photo ID in his or her possession when offering to vote, that voter may sign an affidavit attesting that he or she is not in possession of a photo ID. A voter who completes an affidavit will be allowed to vote a regular ballot.