Voting Info for Patients
The University of Michigan Health is committed to nonpartisan conversation and support around voting, to empower patients to make an informed plan to vote, while adhering to public health guidance.
Supporting Voting Rights of Hospitalized Patients
Patients experiencing an unexpected hospitalization may face challenges in exercising their right to vote.
Inability to travel to the polls to vote, or missing the deadline to request an absentee ballot can be an additional source of distress and disappointment for voters hospitalized during elections.
Michigan Medicine is committed to nonpartisan conversation and support around voting, to empower patients to make an informed plan to vote, while adhering to public health guidance.
Make a Plan to Vote
- Register to vote: Check your registration status and register to vote by visiting www.nass.org/can-I-vote. In Michigan, you can register to vote online until October 19. You can register in person any time up through Election Day on November 3, but it is best to register as soon as possible.
- Decide how you want to vote: You can vote absentee, in person during the nine days of early voting beginning October 24, or in person on Election Day (November 3).
Voting Absentee
If voting absentee:
- Request your ballot: There are many ways to request an absentee ballot. Registered voters can request an absentee ballot online before 5:00 pm on October 30 by visiting the Michigan Voter Information Center online. Eligible voters can now request accessible absentee ballots on the site, allowing them to use accessible technology to vote their ballot independently. Alternatively, you can request a ballot from your township or city clerk prior to election day.
- Return your ballot early: Ballots can be returned by mail, or to your clerk’s office directly. Ballots can also be returned to one of the official drop boxes in your city or township. Voters are encouraged to return absentee ballots as early as possible. Michigan absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by mail, returned in person to your city or township clerk, or be deposited in an official drop box no later than 8:00 pm on Election Day.Returning an absentee ballot by mail is not recommended within 14 days of an election to avoid potential mailing delays.
In-person Voting
If voting in person:
- Know where you vote: Find your polling location at www.michigan.gov/vote.
- Decide when you’ll vote: Polls are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm local time on Election Day. You have the right to vote if you are in line by 8 pm. You also have the ability to vote early, which must be offered from October 24 through November 1 for at least 8 hours a day, but some communities will have early voting for additional days and hours.
- Know what to expect at the polls: Find full details at www.michigan.gov/vote.
- View your ballot ahead of time by leveraging non-partisan online resources like www.ballotready.org.
