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Elections - Absentee Ballots

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1. I will be absent on election day, can I still vote?

Yes, you can register to vote by absentee ballot by calling your local clerks office 517-483-4133, or come to the City Clerk’s Office on 9th floor of City Hall, 124 West Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933, to obtain an application form to receive an absentee ballot. 

We also have an elections office that is open 40 days before the election at 2500 South Washington Avenue, Lansing, MI, 48910, or you can call us at 517-483-4485.

2. What is an absentee ballot?

An absentee ballot is for people who are registered to vote but are unable to attend the polls on election day.

3. I registered to vote by mail. Can I vote absentee?

Anybody registered to vote is eligible to vote by absentee ballot. You can register and receive an absentee ballot in the mail, or pick up an absentee ballot at the clerk’s office, or vote in person at your polling place on Election Day.

4. Who is eligible to receive an absentee ballot?

Any registered voter is eligible to receive an absentee ballot.

5. How can I apply for an absentee ballot?

You can pick up the application for an absentee ballot by stopping into our office at office on the 9th floor of City Hall, 124 West Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI, 48933 to apply or print online here or call Lansing City Clerk’s office at 517-483-4133 to request an application for an absentee ballot. You can also write to your local clerk requesting an absentee ballot.

We also have an elections office that is open 40 days before the election at 2500 South Washington Avenue, Lansing, MI, 48910, or you can call us at 517-483-4485.

6. How soon do I need to request an absentee ballot?

You can request an absentee ballot up to 75 days before the election. The latest we can mail your ballot will be the Friday before the election. As this date is close to the election, it may be best to come to our office to request and vote your absentee ballot. Our South Washington office will be open the Saturday and Sunday before each election.

7. How can I be put on the Permanent Absentee Application List?

You can click here.

8. I'm in the military service or overseas. How can I vote?

You can contact your commanding officer and receive a Federal Post Card Registration and Absentee Ballot (FPCA). 

If you are a citizen overseas you can contact your Consulate Office. 

You can also go to www.fvap.gov/michigan to get more information on military and overseas voting, along with requesting your ballot.

9. Can I come to your office to return my absentee ballot?

Yes, you can come into the City Clerk’s Office on the 9th floor of City Hall to return your absentee ballot prior to election day. You can also come to our office at 2500 South Washington Avenue, Lansing, MI, 48910, which will be open 40 days prior to the election.

We also have 24 hour secure drop boxes at both locations. City Hall’s drop box is located just outside the main entrance.  The South Washington Election Unit’s Drop Box is located on the north side of the building.  

Coming Soon!  More drop box locations across the city.

10. Can an absentee ballot be sent to me if I'm out of City, State, or Country?

Yes, an absentee ballot can be sent out of the City, State, or Country. Both your mailing address and your Lansing address needs to be stated on your absentee ballot application.

11. Can an absentee ballot be sent to a Post Office Box?

Yes, we can mail your absentee ballot to your Post Office Box. 

12. Can anyone drop off my absentee ballot?

No, only an immediate family member, a person residing in the same household, or an assistant of the clerk may deliver your absentee ballot to the Clerk's Office.

13. What are the hours that I can cast my absentee ballot in your office?

Click here for office hours. 

14. I made a mistake on my absentee ballot. Can I receive another absentee ballot?

If you spoil your ballot in any way, you can receive another absentee ballot by calling our office at 517-483-4133 or by coming in person. We will void your old absentee ballot, and then issue you a new one. If you submit your ballot before the election and before 4 PM Monday prior to the election. We will need a written request. 

15. When is the last day an absentee ballot can be mailed from your office?

The latest an absentee ballots can be mailed is the Friday before any election. As this date is close to the election date, you may wish to come to our office at 2500 South Washington Avenue, Lansing, MI, 48910, to vote. We will be open the Friday and Saturday before each election.

16. When is the last day and time an absentee ballot can be dropped off?

Absentee ballots can be dropped off in the City Clerk’s Office on election day. Keep in mind that this will have to reach the city clerk board by 8 p.m., or it will not be counted.

17. When is the last day that I can get an absentee ballot in your office?

The last day you can get an absentee ballot in our City Hall or South Washington office is the day before an election by 4 p.m. You must come in person and vote, as your ballot cannot be given to anyone else.