Muskegon City Elections

How to Vote From Home (Absentee)

All registered voters in Michigan can now vote before Election Day using what’s called an absentee ballot. You don’t need an excuse or a reason. You can vote by absentee ballot through the mail, without leaving your home. You can also go to your city or township clerk’s office to return your absentee ballot.

Application deadline: Requests to have an absent voter ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 5 p.m. on Friday prior to the election day. It is advised that voters submit their absentee ballot application much earlier than this date to avoid the potential for mailing delays. If you’re already registered at your current address, you can request an absent voter ballot in person at your clerk’s office anytime up to 4 p.m. on the day prior to the election, this ballot must be completed at the clerk’s office.

Absentee Voting Steps

Request a Ballot

Apply online: You can request an absentee ballot for yourself, or have a family member request an absentee ballot for you by filling out an application. You need to be registered to vote to use this tool.

Apply by mail: You can also submit an application, large print application, letter, or postcard to our clerk’s office. Requests for absent voter ballots may be returned may be returned by hand, via postal mail, fax or email, as long as a signature is visible.

Requests to have an absent voter ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before the election.

Return your ballot

After receiving your absent voter ballot, you have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to complete the ballot and return it to the clerk’s office. You can return your ballots by mail or by placing it in a drop box.

Your ballot will not be counted unless your signature is on the return envelope and matches your signature on file. If you received assistance voting the ballot, then the signature of the person who helped you must also be on the return envelope. Only you, a family member or person residing in your household, a mail carrier, or election official is authorized to deliver your signed absent voter ballot to your clerk’s office.

Where To Return Your Application and Ballot

You can return your application by mail, placing it in a dropbox, or sending it by email. When you have received and completed your absentee ballot, you can return it by mail or by placing it in a drop box.

  • By drop box: Place in the drop box on Jefferson Street and Muskegon Avenue (across from US 31 BBQ) or the drop box on Walton Avenue by the Treasurer’s Office entrance.
  • By mail: Muskegon City Clerk, 933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI  49440
  • By email: elections@shorelinecity.com (APPLICATIONS ONLY. PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL YOUR BALLOT.)

Learn more

Additional Resources