Absentee Ballot Process

Any registered voter is eligible to obtain an absentee ballot for an upcoming election.

Request an Absentee Ballot

A voter who wishes to receive an Absentee Ballot Application from the Township Clerk or from the online Secretary of State application. The written request may be on a form supplied by the clerk, in a letter or on a postcard and must include the applicant's signature. Paper applications for absent voter ballots may be received by hand, via postal mail, fax or email, as long as the voter's signature is visible.

Receive by Mail

Requests to have an absentee ballot mailed to you must be submitted to the Township Clerk no later than 5 pm the Friday before the election.

Receive in Person

Absent voter ballots can also be picked up by the voter in person up until 4 pm on the day prior to the election. A voter who visits his or her clerk's office or school election coordinator's office on the day prior to the election to obtain an absent voter ballot must vote the ballot in the office; the voter is not permitted to leave the office with the ballot.

A voter who registers to vote on Election Day by appearing in person at his or her clerk's office is also eligible to obtain an absent voter ballot until 8 pm on Election Day.

Permanent Absent Voters

You can request to be placed on the Permanent Absent Voter list by contacting the Township Clerk at 586-286-9420, or by returning our Absentee Voter Form (PDF). An application will be mailed to you automatically prior to each election. You must return the completed application each time to receive an absentee ballot.

Emergency Absentee Voter Ballot

If an emergency, such as a sudden illness or family death, prevents you from reaching the polls on Election Day, you may request an emergency absentee voter ballot. Requests for an emergency ballot must be submitted after the deadline for regular absentee ballots has passed, but before 4 pm on Election Day. The emergency must have occurred at a time which made it impossible for you to apply for a regular absentee ballot. The Township Clerk will have more information about emergency absentee voter ballots.