Everything You Need to Know About Voting Absentee

The Presidential General Election is less than a month away and both the City of Brighton and Brighton Township clerks are predicting high voter turnout on Nov. 6.

During the 2008 Presidential Election, The City of Brighton saw 74.16% voter turnout, 1,425 of those were absentee voters. City Clerk Diana Lowe said she predicts a similar turnout this year.

Brighton Township Clerk Ann Bollin said the township typically sees a great turnout for presidential general elections and also an increase in absentee voters.

Bollin said it's hard to compare voter turnout percentages for general elections because the township's number of registered voters has steadily increased from 2008 to 2012.

This year, the township has sent out 3,187 absentee voter applications and has received 1,907 back as of last week. 

Lowe said she anticipates slower moving lines at the polls on Election Day because of the the ballot length.

The November ballot will have six statewide proposals, in addition to the Brighton Area Schools Operating Millage Renewal Proposal and the City of Brighton $5.6 million Community Improvement and Infrastructure Bond Proposal for city residents.

"I don't want voters to be discouraged by the length of the ballot," Bollin said. "They are entitled to take whatever time they need inside that voting booth on Election Day to vote their entire ballot.

Can't make it to the polls on Nov. 6? Here's everything you need to know about voting absentee.

Applying for an absentee ballot

Those who aren't able to go to the polls on election day may cast an absentee ballot. To download an application, visit the City of Brighton website or Brighton Township's website. Requests for absentee ballots can also be made in person at City Hall and Township Hall.

Voters can submit applications for absentee ballots to the city and township clerks up until 2 p.m. on the Saturday before the election (Nov. 3).

Criteria for voting by absentee ballot

Registered voters may obtain an absentee voter ballot if they are:

• age 60 years old or older
• unable to vote without assistance at the polls
• expecting to be out of town on election day
• in jail awaiting arraignment or trial
• unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons
• appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence.

When to turn in your absentee ballot

Voters have until 8 p.m. on election day to complete the ballot and return it to the clerk's office.

For more information about voting in Michigan, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center.