Two weeks remain until Election Day for many Michigan communities

With two weeks until many jurisdictions across Michigan hold elections on May 3, citizens who received but have not yet returned their absentee ballot are encouraged to hand deliver it to a local drop box or their clerk's office to avoid postal delays. A complete list of jurisdictions holding elections on May 3, including four state House districts with a general election to fill partial terms for vacant seats, is available online.

"After you've sealed and signed the envelope of your absentee ballot, you can bring it to your local clerk's office or local ballot drop box and can have confidence that it will be securely counted," said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. "Michigan voters have options, and whether you vote absentee or in person on Election Day, your voice will be heard in your community."

Absentee ballots must be received by the voter's city or township clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters also have the option to vote at their polling place on May 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can find the locations of their clerk's office, ballot drop boxes, and polling place at Michigan.gov/Vote.

Eligible residents who have not yet registered to vote can do so in person at their city or township clerk's office now through 8 p.m. on Election Day. They can also request and submit an absentee ballot at the clerk's office in the same trip. Citizens who still need to register must do so in person at their clerk's office, as online and mail registration is not permitted within 14 days of an election.

Voters can find more information on elections in their jurisdiction, including a sample ballot and list of races and questions, at Michigan.gov/Vote. While the majority of elections taking place are for millages or local-level elected positions, the following four House districts are also holding special elections to fill vacant seats:

• 15th in Wayne County
• 36th in Macomb County
• 43rd in Oakland County
• 74th in Kent County

The special elections in these districts will fill partial terms for the vacated seats, meaning those elected in the May 3 election will serve until December 31, 2022. The seats to be filled will represent districts based on the district maps that have been in effect since the prior state redistricting took place after the 2010 census. Primaries and general elections for the next term, beginning Jan. 1, 2023, and based on the new district maps approved by the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, will be held in August and November of this year.

Voters can register, apply to vote absentee, see their sample ballot, and find their clerk's office and drop box locations and more information at Michigan.gov/Vote.

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