Absentee Voting Crisis? Michigan Ballots Fall Short of 2020 Levels

More than 670,000 absentee ballots are cast as voters embrace early voting before the November 5 election.

LANSING—With the clock ticking down to Michigan’s General Election on November 5, more than 2.1 million registered voters have requested absentee ballots, with 672,585 already returned, according to data released on October 15. The early surge highlights Michigan’s continued shift toward absentee voting since expanding access in 2018.

Absentee Ballot Returns Show Slight Decline from 2020 Pandemic Year

So far, about 31% of those who requested absentee ballots for the 2024 election have already submitted their completed forms. While significant, this figure is a slight dip from the 34% return rate recorded at the same point during the 2020 election, which saw record absentee participation amid COVID-19-related social distancing.

The latest data reveals that although overall absentee ballot applications are down compared to 2020—2.1 million this year versus nearly 2.85 million in 2020—voter engagement remains strong.

Michigan voters have three primary ways to participate in the election: absentee voting, early in-person voting, and traditional in-person voting at the polls on Election Day. The window for early in-person voting opens on October 26 and runs until November 3, with some jurisdictions starting even earlier.

Registration and Voting Deadlines Loom for Michigan Citizens

For those not yet registered to vote, there’s still time. Michigan residents can register online or by mail until October 21. After that, voter registration must be done in person at local clerk offices, with proof of residency, up until the close of polls at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters who have received an absentee ballot are encouraged to complete it, sign the back of the envelope, and either drop it off at a local ballot box or return it by mail. For the ballot to count, it must arrive before the polls close on Election Day.

Early Voting and Digital Notifications Streamline the Process

Michigan’s early voting option offers voters increased flexibility. Early voting sites will operate from October 26 to November 3, and some municipalities are offering an even earlier start, thanks to new state laws allowing voting to begin as early as 29 days before the election. Voters can use Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting to find locations and hours for early voting in their communities.

In addition to more accessible voting options, Michigan has expanded its online voter tools. Citizens can now monitor the status of their absentee applications and ballots online through Michigan.gov/Vote and sign up to receive updates directly to their email. Notifications are available during registration, when applying for absentee ballots, or by visiting the state’s website.

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