Absentee Ballots – Who, How, When & Where?


Who Is Eligible For An Absentee Ballot?

You may vote by absentee ballot if you:
  • Are 60 years of age or more.
  • Expect to be absent from the community in which you are registered for the entire time the polls are open on election day.
  • Are physically unable to attend the polls without the assistance of another.
  • Cannot attend the polls because of the tenets of your religion.
  • Have been appointed an election precinct inspector in a precinct other than the precinct where you reside.
  • Cannot attend the polls because of confinement in jail awaiting arraignment or trial.

How Do I Apply For An Absentee Ballot?
  • Contact the clerk of the city or township where you are registered to vote.
  • You need to state in your request:

-you are a registered voter of the city or township

-state the address where you are registered to vote

-state one of the statutory reasons (listed above)

-advise the clerk where your absentee ballot should be mailed

-sign your request

  • You may apply by letter, post card, application form or by Federal Post Card Application.

When May I Apply?
  • Applications may not be accepted sooner than 75 days preceding the primary election.
  • Applications may be made for one election only OR for the August primary election AND the November general election.
  • The deadline for applying for an absentee ballot is 2:00 P.M. on the Saturday prior to election day.

Please Note: Absentee ballots will NOT be supplied through telephone requests. You may fax a request for an absentee ballot if it meets the above criteria.

QUESTIONS??? Contact the city or township clerk where you are registered to vote. Click here to find the name and phone number of any Berrien County municipal clerk.