how to actually vote
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Question 1
Are you registered to vote in Michigan?
Yes, in the same county as my college or where I’m currently living.
Yes, but in a different county than my college or where I’m currently living.
We totally believe you but it doesn’t hurt to double-check here, right?
If that’s the case — confirm here — you’ll need to vote absentee or re-register at your current address to vote in person. Check out the tip below for how to same-day register during early voting or on Election Day.
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GLOSSARY
Polling place: a designated location for registered voters to go vote during an election, often schools or community centers.
Voter registration: a requirement that an eligible voter must adhere to in order to be permitted to cast their ballot in local, state, and federal elections.
Early voting: the ability to vote in person before Election Day at a designated early voting location.
Absentee ballot: a vote cast by an eligible voter who is unable to attend their official polling place on Election Day, usually sent by mail.
Down ballot: relating to a role or position that requires voter selection but commonly further down the ballot; often local or low-profile positions with equal importance to federal positions.
Voter ID laws: state-specific laws that may or may not require eligible voters to bring identification to vote in person.
Voting plan: a concept for eligible voters to prepare for casting their vote, including identifying any barriers or roadblocks that may cause them to not be able to cast their vote (access to polling places, early voting and absentee ballot deadlines, available time off to cast their vote, etc.).
Local ballot measures: local laws that need to be voted on by eligible voters directly in order for potential policy changes to pass or fail.
Poll worker: qualified officials residing in the county that are responsible for overseeing a fair and orderly voting experience at their polling place. Volunteer to be a poll worker this Election Day!
The Gen Z Guide To Voting
As A College Student In MI
No, I’m not registered to vote.
Honestly, I’m not sure?
TIP: The online registration deadline has closed, but you can still register in person at your city or township clerk's office anytime up to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Find your city or township clerk’s office here and learn about the important documents you’ll need to bring with you to successfully register here. You can also vote on the spot when registering in person — find time now to make your voice heard!
You can register to vote and vote anytime up to 8 p.m. on Election Day at your city or township clerk's office. Learn about where to go and what you need to bring with you here.
No problem! Check your registration status here, and if it turns out you’re not registered, learn about your options in the tip below!
In person on Election Day!
Through early voting in person.
Via absentee ballot/vote-by-mail.
TBH, I haven’t figured that out just yet.
You’re in your “I Voted” sticker era. Let’s find your polling place here so you know where to go!
Huge — early voting is so important, especially for busy college students. Early voting in Michigan begins October 26 and ends November 3. Find your early voting
location here.
You can still request your absentee ballot online here, and must do so by Friday, Nov. 1. If you wait too long, there’s no guarantee you’ll get your ballot in time, so consider requesting it in person at your local clerk’s office.
You can vote at an early voting site near your school, which you can find here, through Nov. 3. If you wait until Election Day, you have to go to your assigned polling place. Or you can request a mail-in ballot before Nov. 1 here.
Question 2
How do you plan on voting?
Next Question ↓
Yes, I think so!
I’m not sure!
I don’t think I have what I need.
I’m voting by mail.
OK good! You can double-check here.
No problem! Learn about Michigan’s voter ID laws here.
Don’t worry! Confirm that here and if you don’t have what is required, VoteRiders can help get what you need here or you can vote without an ID if you sign a form confirming your identity.
If you request your ballot online you’ll need to provide an MI driver’s license/state ID card number or the last four of your Social Security number. You do not need to include ID information with your completed ballot.
Question 3
Do you know what the voter ID laws are in Michigan & do you have what you need?
Next Question ↓
TIP: You’re busy, we get it! Finding time in your schedule is just one of the many reasons to vote early, especially for college students who may not be able to get to your polling place on Election Day. Early voting runs from October 26 to November 3, so click here to find your school and discover where you can cast your vote!
TIP: Never got your driver’s license? Don’t worry! VoteRiders offers voter ID assistance to get you the documentation you need to vote, even if you don’t have a driver’s license or passport. Learn about your options as a Michigan voter here.
Where to go to vote early?
When you have to vote early by?
Where and when to return your absentee ballot?
This is great, but I'm voting in person on Election Day.
Voting early near your college has never been easier. Click here to find your school and early voting location now.
Early voting begins Oct. 26 and runs through Nov. 3. Block off time on your calendar to vote right now so you don't double-book.
Your ballot must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day via mail (track your mail-in ballot here). You can also bring your ballot to your early voting site or Election Day polling place to place into a tabulator yourself.
You’re going to love the next question!
Question 4
Voting early or by absentee ballot? Do you know…
Next Question ↓
TIP: Don’t wait to figure out your voting plan. If you’re voting absentee, request your ballot now if you haven’t already (the deadline to request is Nov. 1). Then find time on your cal so you can fill out your ballot and return it ASAP. If you’re going to vote early, find out where you’re going and when you’re going here, and block off time to make it all happen. Remember: The deadline to vote early in Michigan in the general election is Nov. 3.
Where you are going to vote?
How you are getting there?
What time you’re going to vote?
I’m realizing I don’t have a plan to make it work!
Let’s confirm your polling place here — and make sure to put the location in your calendar now so you don’t forget!
Good news — there
are a ton of rideshare discounts offered on Election Day. Check them out here.
Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Any voter in line at their assigned polling place at 8 p.m. will be able to vote. Find a convenient time and block off your calendar now so you don’t double-book.
You already have your polling place, but need help getting there? Find rideshare offers here. We’ve even created some email templates for you to use if you need to miss work or class.
Question 5
Voting in person on Election Day? Let’s make your day-of plan now. Do you know…
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You DID It! you now know...
how to actually vote!
Gen Z will play a monumental role in this election and by using our guide you've taken an important step in making your voice heard.
Click here to download a graphic you can share to encourage others to do the same. Tag @hercampus and use #HowToActuallyVote to be featured on Her Campus.
how to actually vote
Want more? Input your address into BallotReady's tool below to find personalized voting resources, key dates, and more information about your local ballot.
Want to help your friends in other states vote with confidence? Share HowToActuallyVote.com with them so they can easily navigate the process and feel prepared as college voters this election!
For more election-related content, check out Her Campus's 2024 Election hub. Want to learn about your local ballot? Input your address into BallotReady's tool below the glossary for more personalized voting resources.
Look, we get it — even with all the noise around the election and how determined you are to make your voice heard, you may realize you’re still left with questions about voting at this point in the race (especially if you’re a college or Gen Z first-time voter). And that’s completely understandable.
That’s why Her Campus is launching How To Actually Vote, a simple, straightforward guide to make voting as a college student crystal clear. Answer a few questions and you’ll get relevant, step-by-step guidance, helpful resources, and tips to ensure you know exactly how to cast your vote. (Plus, a glossary to finally break down all the terms and phrases that get thrown around!)
Let’s dive in so you can make sure you know how to actually vote.
Look, we get it — even with all the noise around the election and how determined young people in Michigan are to make their voices heard, you may realize you’re still left with questions about voting at this point in the race (especially if you’re a college or Gen Z first-time voter). And that’s completely understandable.
That’s why Her Campus is launching How To Actually Vote In Michigan, a simple, straightforward guide to make voting as a college student in Michigan crystal clear. Answer a few questions and you’ll get relevant, step-by-step guidance, helpful resources, and tips to ensure you know exactly how to cast your vote. (Plus, a glossary to finally break down all the terms and phrases that get thrown around!)
Let’s dive in so you can make sure you know how to actually vote in Michigan.
Paid for by For Michigan 501(c)4, 4158 Washtenaw Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Want to help your friends in other states vote with confidence? Share HowToActuallyVote.com with them so they can easily navigate the process and feel prepared as college voters this election!
For more election-related content, check out Her Campus's 2024 Election hub. Want to learn about your local ballot? Input your address into BallotReady's tool below the glossary for more personalized voting resources.
Want more? Input your address into BallotReady's tool below to find personalized voting resources, key dates, and more information about your local ballot.
IN MICHIGAN
TIP: Make a voting plan to hold yourself accountable and play a key role in this election. And remember: Whether you're voting in person, early, or by mail, change starts locally, and it's *crucial* to be prepared for the entire ballot. Learn about your local measures here, so there are no surprises when you vote!
TIP: Make a voting plan to hold yourself accountable and play a key role in this election. Pledge to vote here before Election Day and encourage your friends to do the same. And remember: Whether you're voting in person, early, or by mail, change starts locally, and it's *crucial* to be prepared for the entire ballot. Learn about your local measures here, so there are no surprises when you vote!
To find an early voting location in your county, select your university below and we’ll provide you with the exact address you need to go to make your voice heard early this election season.
To find an early voting location in your county, select your university below and we’ll provide you with the exact address you need to go to make your voice heard early this election season.
presented by her campus X For Michigan
Campus
Albion College
Alma College
Andrews University
Aquinas College
Central Michigan University
Davenport University
Early Voting Locations
Open HOuRs
Students living in Albion can vote early and register at: 112 W Cass St, Albion
Students living in Alma can vote early and register at:
Alma City Hall
525 East Superior St, Alma
Students living in Oronoko Township can vote early and register at:
Oronoko Charter Township
4583 E Snow Rd, Berrien Springs
Students living in the City of Grand Rapids can vote early and register at:
Grand Rapids City Clerk (2nd Floor) 300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids
Students living in the City of Mt Pleasant can vote early and register at:
320 W. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant
Already registered in Mt Pleasant or Union Township? You can also vote early at:
Powers Hall (on campus)
Students living in Caledonia Township can vote early and register at:
Caledonia Township Hall 8196 Broadmoor Ave SE, Caledonia
Mon-Thur, 7am-5pm
Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm
Sat Nov. 2, 8am-4pm
Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm
Sun Nov. 3, 8:30-4:30pm
Mon-Fri, 8am-5am
Sat Nov. 2, 7am-3pm
Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm Sat Nov. 2, 8am-4pm
Oct. 26 - Nov. 3 (8am-4pm)
Mon-Thur, 8am-4pm Fri, 8am-12pm Oct. 26-Nov. 3, 8am-4pm
A - D
D - G
H - K
L - M
Delta College
Detroit Mercy
Eastern Michigan University
Ferris State University
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Valley State University
Students living in Frankenlust Township can vote early and register at: 2401 Delta Rd, Bay City
Students living in the City of Detroit can vote and register at:
Northwest Activity Center 18100 Meyers Rd, Detroit
Palmer Park Community Building 1121 Merrill Plaisance St, Detroit
Students living in the City of Ypsilanti can vote early and register at:
Ypsilanti City Clerk's Office 1 South Huron St, Ypsilanti
Already registered in Ypsi or Superior Township? You can also vote early at: Ypsilanti Freighthouse 100 Market Pl, Ypsilanti
Students living in the City of Big Rapids can vote early and register at: Big Rapids City Hall 226 N. Michigan Ave, Big Rapids
Already registered in Big Rapids? You can also vote early at: 14230 Northland Dr, Big Rapids
Students living in the City of Grand Rapids can vote early and register at:
Grand Rapids City Clerk's Office 300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids
Students living in the City of Allendale Township can vote early and register at: Kirkoff 10670 S. Campus Dr, Allendale
Already registered in Georgetown Township? Vote early and register at: 1515 Baldwin St, Georgetown
Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm (CLOSED Wed) Sat Nov. 2, 9am-5pm
Both locations open: Oct. 19 - Nov. 3, 9am-5pm
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm Sat Nov 2, 8am-4pm
Oct. 26 - Nov. 3, 9am-5pm
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm Sat Nov. 2, 8am-5pm
Oct. 26 - Nov. 3, 8:30am-4:30pm
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm Sat Nov. 2, 7am-3pm
Oct. 30 - Nov. 1, 10am-3pm
Oct. 30, 7am-3pm Oct. 29 & 31, 11am-7pm Nov. 1-3, 7am-3pm
Henry Ford College
Hope College
Jackson College
Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kettering University
Find your early voting options here.
Students living in the City of Holland can vote early and register at: Holland City Hall (2nd Floor) 270 S River Ave, Holland
Already registered in the City of Holland? Vote early at: 12185 James St, Holland
Students living in the City of Jackson can vote early and register at: 161 W Michigan Ave, Jackson
If you live in Jackson County (outside of Jackson City) you can vote early and register at: 2121 Ferguson Rd, Jackson
Students living in the City of Kalamazoo can vote early and register at: Kalamazoo City Hall (Room 104) 241 W South St, Kalamazoo
Already registered in Kalamazoo? You can also vote early at: Douglass Community Association 1000 W Paterson St, Kalamazoo
Students living in Texas Township can vote early and register at: Texas Township Clerk's Office 7227 W. Q Ave, Kalamazoo
Students living in City of Flint can vote early and register at: Flint City Hall 1101 S. Saginaw St, Flint
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Oct 26 - Nov 3, 8:30am-4:30pm
Mon - Thu, 7am-5:30pm Sat Nov 2, 7am-3pm
Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
Oct. 26 - Nov. 3, 9am-5pm
Mon-Thur 8am-5pm Fri 8am-12pm Nov. 2, 8am-4pm
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Nov. 2 & 3, 8am-4pm
Lake Michigan College
Lansing Community College
Lawrence Tech
Macomb Community College
Madonna University
Michigan State
Students living in Benton Township can vote early and register at: Benton Township Clerk 1725 Territorial Rd Building B, Benton Harbor
Students living in the City of Lansing can vote early and register at: Lansing City Hall (9th Floor) 124 W. Michigan Ave, Lansing
Students living in the City of Southfield can vote early and register at: 26000 Evergreen Rd, Southfield
Find your voting information here.
Students living in the City of Livonia can vote early and register at: Livonia City Hall 33000 Civic Center Dr, Livonia
Students living in the City of East Lansing can vote early and register at:
MSU Communication Building
(WKAR Studio B) 404 Wilson Rd, East Lansing
Hannah Community Center 819 Abbot Rd, East Lansing
Mon - Fri 8:30am-5pm Oct. 26 & 27, Nov 2 & 3, 8am-4pm
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Oct. 26 & 27, 8:30am-4:30pm Oct. 28 - 30, 8am-5pm Oct. 31, 8am-8pm Nov. 1, 8am-5pm Nov. 2, 8am-4:30pm Nov. 3, 8:30am-4:30pm
Oct. 21-25, 8am-6pm Oct. 26, 9am-5pm Oct. 28 - Nov. 1, 8am-6pm Nov. 2, 7:30am-3:30pm
Oct. 21 - Nov. 3, 10am - 6am
(including weekends)
Oct. 26 - Nov. 3, 9am - 5pm
(including weekends)
Oakland Community College
Oakland University
Saginaw Valley State University
Schoolcraft College
Southwestern Michigan College
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Find your early voting options here.
Students living in the City of Auburn Hills can vote and register at: 1827 N Squirrel Rd, Auburn Hills
Already registered in Auburn Hills? You can vote early at: 1899 N Squirrel Rd
Students living in the City of Rochester Hills can vote and register at: 1000 Rochester Hills Dr, Rochester Hills
Already registered in Rochester Hills? You can vote early at: 500 Olde Towne Rd
Students living in Kochville Township can vote and register at: 5851 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw
Find your early voting options here.
If you still need to register to vote, you can register and vote at the same time at your Clerk's Office. Find your Clerk's Office here.
Find your early voting options here.
If you still need to register to vote, you can register and vote at the same time at your Clerk's Office. Find your Clerk's Office here.
Students living in the City of Ann Arbor can vote and register at:
UM Museum of Art 525 S. State Street, Ann Arbor
Duderstadt Center Gallery 2281 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat Nov. 2, 7am-3pm
Oct. 26 - Oct. 30, 8:30am-4:30pm Oct. 31, 12pm-8pm Nov. 1-3, 8:30am-4:30pm
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat Nov. 2, 7am-3pm
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm (but closed 12-12:30pm) Sat Nov. 2, 8am-4pm
Oct. 26 - Nov. 3, 11am-7am
(open everyday)
Oct. 26 - Nov. 3, 11am-7pm
Michigan Tech
Mid-Michigan College
Monroe County Community College
Mott Community College
North Central Michigan College
Northern Michigan University
Students living in the City of Houghton can vote early and register to vote at the same time at:
Houghton City Hall,
616 Shelden Ave, Houghton
Find your early voting options here.
Find your early voting options here.
Students living in the City of Flint can vote early and register at: City of Flint City Hall (Suite 201c) 1101 S. Saginaw St, Flint
Students living in Petoskey can vote early and register at: Petoskey City Hall 101 East Lake St, Petoskey
Students living in the City of Marquette can vote early and register at:
Marquette City Clerk 300 W Baraga Ave
Already registered in Marquette? Vote early at Peter White Public Library,
217 N. Front St
Mon-Fri, 8am - 4pm Nov. 2 & 3, 12pm - 4pm
If you're already registered in Houghton, the hours are expanded. You can vote early through Sun Nov. 3, 8am-4:30pm
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Nov. 2 & 3, 8am-4pm
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm From Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, the hours change to 8am-4pm
Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, 8am-4pm
Note: On Nov. 2 only, you can also register to vote at this location.
M - N
O - U
University of North Carolina at Asheville
On Campus:
Health & Counseling Center,
118 W.T. Weaver Blvd. Asheville 28805
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Next to Campus:
Chapel of the Cross,
304 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill 27514
University of North Carolina Charlotte
On Campus:
Cone Center,
9025 University Rd., Charlotte 28223
University of North Carolina Greensboro
On Campus:
Kaplan Center,
1301 W. Gate City Blvd. Greensboro 27412
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Near Campus:
Pembroke Library,
413 Blaine St., Pembroke 28372
University of North Carolina Wilmington
1 mile from Campus:
New Hanover Co. Board of Elections Bldg.,
226 Government Center Dr., Wilmington 28405
Wake Forest University
1.4 miles from Campus:
Polo Park Comm. Center,
1850 Polo Road, Winston-Salem 27106
Warren Wilson College
5 miles from Campus:
East Asheville Branch Library,
3 Avon Rd. Asheville 28805
Western Carolina University
On Campus:
University Center (UC),
245 Memorial Dr., Cullowhee 28723
William Peace University
2 miles from Campus:
Chavis Community Center,
505 MLK Jr. Blvd., Raleigh 27601
Wingate University
9 miles from Campus:
Edwards Mem'l Library,
414 Hasty St., Marshville 28103
Winston-Salem State University
On Campus:
WSSU Anderson Center,
1545 Reynolds Park Rd., W-S 27107
U - U
W - Z
University of Michigan Dearborn
University of Michigan Flint
Washtenaw Community College
Wayne State University
Western Michigan University
Find your early voting options here.
If you still need to register to vote, you can register and vote at the same time at your Clerk's Office. Find your Clerk's Office here.
Students living in the City of Flint can vote and register at:
Flint City Hall (Floor 2) 1101 S. Saginaw St, Flint
Find your early voting options here.
If you still need to register to vote, you can register and vote at the same time at your Clerk's Office. Find your Clerk's Office here.
Students living in the City of Detroit can vote and register at:
Detroit Department of Elections 2978 W. Grand Blvd, Detroit
OR
Detroit City Clerk (Suite 106) 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit
Students living in the City of Kalamazoo can vote and register at:
The Fetzer Center (Floor 2) 2251 Business Ct, Kalamazoo
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Nov. 2 & 3, 8am-4pm
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Nov. 2 & 3, 9am-5pm
Oct. 19 - Nov. 3, 9am-5pm
Oct. 14 - Nov. 3, 9am-5pm
U - W
W - Z
Wake Forest University
1.4 miles from Campus:
Polo Park Comm. Center,
1850 Polo Road, Winston-Salem 27106
Warren Wilson College
5 miles from Campus:
East Asheville Branch Library,
3 Avon Rd. Asheville 28805
Western Carolina University
On Campus:
University Center (UC),
245 Memorial Dr., Cullowhee 28723
William Peace University
2 miles from Campus:
Chavis Community Center,
505 MLK Jr. Blvd., Raleigh 27601
Wingate University
9 miles from Campus:
Edwards Mem'l Library,
414 Hasty St., Marshville 28103
Oct. 28 & 30, 7am-3pm Oct. 29 & 31, 11am-7pm Nov. 1-3, 7am-3pm