Frequently Asked Questions

In order to figure out where you vote at you will need to know your polling location and precinct number. The city has different precincts which are based on your address. If you are in precinct numbers 1 or 2 you will vote at the Tompkins Community Center. If you are in precincts 4, 5, 6, and 7 you will vote at the Lavins Activity Center.

In November 2022, Michigan voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment that gives voters the right to vote early and in person at early voting sites before Statewide and Federal elections. Communities may also choose to provide early voting for local elections.

Early voting allows a voter to cast a ballot before Election Day, in an experience similar to voting on Election Day.

During the early voting period, voters are issued a ballot and can then insert their ballot directly into a tabulator at their early voting site.

The "Absentee Voter" (AV) list is comprised of voters who have asked that an absentee ballot APPLICATION be mailed to them every election. The Clerk's Office must receive a completed APPLICATION each election cycle before issuing a ballot to the voter. Many seniors, snowbirds or voters who are often out of town on Election Day ask to be placed on this list. Ballots are mailed to the address indicated by the voter on the completed application.

The "Permanent Ballot" list is a NEW list mandated by Proposal 22-2. Voters who ask to be placed on this list will complete ONE application that will remain on file permanently and they will AUTOMATICALLY receive an ABSENTEE BALLOT each election. Ballots are mailed to the voter's registered address unless they notify the Clerk's office prior to each election.

NO. However, Absentee Ballot APPLICATIONS may be requested on behalf of a family member.

NO. It is a violation of Michigan Election Law to possess or return an absentee ballot that is not yours UNLESS the voter is a member of your immediate family or household.

If a voter is unable to accept or return an absentee ballot due to a physical limitation, disability or illness, please contact the Clerk's Office for assistance.

Absentee Voting 

• Absentee Voting uses a ballot issued to the voter in person at the Clerk's office or by mail. 
• Absentee Ballots are returned in a specially designed envelope that requires the voter's signature and are tabulated by trained election inspectors after the commencement of Early Voting.
• Voters who have made a mistake or desire to change their vote on a ballot that has already been returned, may request a new ballot until the day before early voting begins. The previously issued ballot will be spoiled and the voter will be issued a new ballot. After this date, returned absentee ballots cannot be spoiled or re-issued as processing will have already begun.

Early Voting

• Early voting follows the same process as on Election Day.
• Voters mark and tabulate their ballots in person at ONE designated Early Voting location.
• Ballots cast in person by the voter during Early Voting CANNOT be retrieved or spoiled once accepted by the tabulator and the voter CANNOT vote again.

Voters in possession of a photo ID must present it in order to vote. Acceptable forms of photo ID include the following:

• Michigan driver's license or state-issued ID card
• Driver's license or personal identification card issued by another state.
• Federal or state government-issued photo identification
• U.S. Passport
• Military ID with photo
• Student identification with photo from a high school or accredited institute of higher learning
• Tribal identification with photo
• Concealed pistol license

Voters are not required to possess a photo ID to vote in Michigan. Voters without a photo ID may sign an affidavit and will be issued a ballot.