Military & Overseas Voting

Special services are provided to assist military and overseas civilian voters participate in elections. If you are a military or overseas civilian voter who is eligible to vote in Michigan, you can find out how to:

1. Register to vote: Go to the Federal Voting Assistance Program, download and complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA can also be used to obtain an absent voter ballot by e-mail, fax or regular mail.
   
2. Obtain an absent voter ballot by e-mail, fax or regular mail: Each year go to the Federal Voting Assistance Program, download a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), complete and submit by postal mail, fax, or scan and email to your local clerk based on your home residence. Check the appropriate box for e-mail, fax or mail. The FPCA can also be used to register to vote.
   
3. Check the status of a requested absent voter ballot: Go to the Michigan Voter Information Center and type in the requested information. Your absent voter ballot status will display along with other information.
   
4. Check registration status in Michigan: Go to the Michigan Voter Information Center and follow instructions.
   
5. Learn more about candidates and proposals on the ballot: Go to the Michigan Voter Information Center and type in the requested information. Click on “View My Sample Ballot.”
   
6. Obtain assistance or ask a question: Call or email the Clerk’s Office.

Important note: Only those voters covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) are eligible to use the Federal Post Card Application Form (FPCA) and receive an absentee ballot by e-mail or fax. Covered voters include:

• A member of a uniformed service on active duty who is absent from his or her city or township of residence. (Voter can be inside or outside the United States.)
• A member of the Merchant Marine who, by reason of service in the Merchant Marine, is absent from his or her city or township of residence. (Voter can be inside or outside the United States.)
• A spouse or dependent of a member of a uniformed service or a member of the Merchant Marine who, by reason of the active duty or service of the member, is absent from his or her city or township of residence. (Voter can be inside or outside the United States.)
• A civilian voter who is outside the United States and is eligible to vote in Michigan.
• A member of the National Guard activated on state orders. 

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).

1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your election official may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
2. Mail or email the application to our office.
3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible. You can look up recommended mailing dates by country and region.
4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it. Following are recommended return dates to make sure your ballot arrives at your election office on time:
   • 35 days before election – On a ship at sea
   • 30 days before election – Outside of the US
   • 11 days before the election – Stateside
5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven’t received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact us.

If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact us first. Then:

• You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
• If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.

The Federal Voting Assistance Program – FVAP.gov offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Michigan. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE or email vote@fvap.gov