Election Education
Your vote shapes local decisions. Here is everything you need to cast your ballot with confidence.
How voting works, never who to vote for.
Why It Matters
Voting lets Berrien County residents shape schools, roads, safety, and local leadership, while holding officials accountable.
You can register in Michigan if you:
Are a U.S. citizen
Will have lived in your Michigan city or township for at least 30 days by Election Day
Are at least 17 and a half years old (you must be 18 by Election Day to vote)
Are not currently serving time in jail or prison
No permanent address? You can still register and vote.
Registration
Choose the option that works best for you. Check your status anytime at mi.gov/vote.
Register at mi.gov/vote with a Michigan driver’s license or state ID, up to 15 days before Election Day.
Download the form at mi.gov/vote and mail it to your city or township clerk, postmarked by the deadline.
Register at your clerkclerk’s office through Election Day. Bring proof of address in the last 14 days.
Early Voting
Skip the Election Day lines by voting at an early voting site before Election Day.
Statewide and federal elections offer at least nine days of early voting, ending the Sunday before Election Day.
Sites are open at least eight hours a day. Some communities offer more days and hours.
Absentee Voting
Any registered voter can vote absentee. No reason needed. Request your ballot one of three ways:
Apply at mi.gov/vote with your Michigan driver’s license or state ID.
Download an application at mi.gov/vote and return it to your clerk.
Visit or call your city or township clerk’s office.
Voter ID
Michigan voters are asked to show a photo ID at the polls, such as a driver’s license or state ID, U.S. passport, tribal photo ID, or student photo ID.
No photo ID? You can still vote. Just sign a short affidavit at the polls confirming who you are.
Key Dates
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Mark these dates so you never miss a deadline.
Request your absentee ballot online or by paper application.
Last day to register online or by mail.
Recommended last day to mail back your absentee ballot. After this, use a drop box or return it to your clerk.
Statewide early in-person voting begins.
Last day to request an absentee ballot online or by mail.
Last day of statewide early voting.
Last chance to request and vote an absentee ballot in person at your clerk’s office.
Election Day. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Absentee ballots must reach your clerk or drop box by 8 p.m. (postmarks don’t count). You can still register and vote at your clerk’s office until 8 p.m.
Beyond the Ballot
Voting is just the start. Our free workshops help Berrien County residents speak up, organize, and take an active role in local decisions.
Speak up on the issues that matter and make your voice heard locally.
Unite neighbors around a shared goal and turn good ideas into action.
Build the skills and confidence to lead in your community and beyond.
Learn how city and county government works and how you can take part.
FAQs
Yes. You can register and vote at your city or township clerk’s office until 8 p.m. on Election Day. Bring proof of where you live.
Your polling place depends on your address. Look it up at mi.gov/vote, or ask your city or township clerk.
No. Any registered Michigan voter can vote absentee for any election, no reason needed.
Yes. Update your address online at mi.gov/vote or with your clerk, so you vote at the right polling place and get the right ballot.
Yes, as long as you are not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison. Once released, you can register and vote.
No. Our voter education is nonpartisan. We teach how voting works, never who to vote for.
Before You Vote
Preview your exact ballot and research every candidate and proposal before Election Day.
Information current as of October 12, 2026. Election rules can change, so confirm details with your city or township clerk or at mi.gov/vote. Berrien Connection is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates or parties.
