MDCR Shares Civil Rights Voting Guide Ahead of Election Day

For Immediate Release

Lansing, MI – As Election Day approaches, MDCR is reminding Michiganders of the civil rights protections around voting.  

MDCR is partnering with the Department of State to share information regarding the intersection of voting and civil rights, specifically around accessible options for voters with disabilities, language access accommodations, students and first-time voters, and returning citizens.   

“Voting is a civil right. MDCR is here to ensure Michiganders are aware of the laws in place to ensure every voter has equal access to the ballot box,” said MDCR Executive Director John E. Johnson, Jr.  

MDCR has launched a new website, Know Your Voting Rights, as a resource for Michiganders with questions about their voting rights. The site includes various downloadable items for communities to share, with additional materials in more languages on the way. 

Know Your Voting Rights provides guidelines for various voting subjects including:  

Preparing to Vote 

Various resources are available for Michiganders needing accommodations, be it for a disability, language difference, return voting, or first time voting. Michiganders are encouraged to check their registration before each election to ensure their information is up to date and to make plans for any needed accommodations. 

Accessible Voting 

All methods of voting – in-person, early, mail-in, and virtual – are required to be accessible to Michiganders with disabilities. Election officials are responsible for reducing barriers and providing features such as:  

• Accessible entrances 
• Ramps or elevators where needed 
• Unlocked and usable entrances Accessible paths of travel
• Adequate lighting and seating 
• Accessible voting equipment

Polling places must also have Voter Assistance Terminals (VAT) to assist voters with a wide range of disabilities in marking their ballots. Michiganders can also have a person they trust, with some restrictions, accompany them to vote. 

Language Access

Michiganders who do not speak, read, or write in English are permitted to have an interpreter assist them with understanding their ballots. Voting resources and materials are also available in multiple languages.  

Michiganders who need language assistance to vote have the right to: 

• Bring an interpreter to their local clerk’s office.
• Bring an interpreter when voting early. 
• Bring an interpreter to vote on Election Day. 
• Receive assistance if a ballot is not available in their language. 
• Choose the person who assists or interprets for them, with limited exceptions. 
• Access translated election information and forms that are available through the Michigan Department of State. 

Mail-in Voting 

Some voters may find voting from home to be the most accessible option.  

Michigan offers an electronic mail-in ballot for voters whose disabilities prevent them from independently marking a traditional paper mail-in ballot.  

Voters may request an accessible mail-in ballot up until 5:00 p.m. on October 30th. Applying early is encouraged to allow enough time for mailing and ballot return. Voters who regularly use this option may also join the Permanent Accessible Mail-in Voter List to automatically receive applications before each election. 

Michiganders may find that mail-in voting is their most accessible option. Voting by mail allows voters to: 

• Receive their ballot electronically. 
• Use their own assistive technology to complete the ballot privately. 
• Print and return the completed ballot by mail, secure drop box (find a location at Michigan.gov/Vote), or directly to their local clerk.

Options to request a mail-in ballot include: 

• Completing an online application using a browser with an automatic translation feature.
• Asking your local clerk to mail you a printed application.
• Downloading an available translated application.
• Visiting your local clerk’s office in person.
• Translated information can help voters understand how to request, complete, and return a mail-in ballot. 

Voting for College Students in Michigan 

College students in Michigan have options for voting in the state. They may be able to register using a campus address or a permanent home address.  

Those living away from their permanent home address may request a mail-in ballot to vote in their home district. Voters are encouraged to check their registration and make a plan before every election to ensure their voter information is correct.  

Returning Citizens 

Michiganders who have criminal records may still be able to vote. This applies to those who: 

• Have a past felony or misdemeanor conviction. 
• Have completed a jail or prison sentence.
• Are on probation or parole. 
• Were charged with a crime but not convicted. 
• Are waiting arraignment, trial, or sentencing.
• Are being held in jail before trial or sentencing.

The state’s restrictions apply to those currently serving a sentence in jail or prison. Michiganders can only register and vote again once they are no longer serving that sentence and if they meet all other eligibility requirements. Returning citizens are encouraged to check their voter registration and make a plan before every election in case of any changes needed to their voter information. 

Know Your Rights  

Michiganders should not immediately assume they cannot vote if they have an issue at the polls. Those experiencing problems are encouraged to contact their local election officials for assistance.  

Election Protection Hotlines also provide assistance in multiple languages:  

English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
Arabic: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)
Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, Urdu, and Vietnamese: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)

Voters can contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights if they believe they have been discriminated against during the voting process. Complaints can be filed online or by calling 800-482-3604.

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The Michigan Department of Civil Rights is charged with investigating and resolving discrimination complaints and works to prevent discrimination through educational programs that promote voluntary compliance with civil rights laws. For more information on the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, visit www.michigan.gov/mdcr.