Conducting a Voter Registration Drive in Michigan

Voter Registration Deadlines

  • Applications must be postmarked or received by the 15th day before Election Day.
  • In-person registration at the city or township clerk’s office is available within 14 days prior to and on Election Day with proof of residency.

Getting Started

Training Requirements: Michigan does not require training for registration drives.

Notification and Registration Requirements: Michigan does not have notification requirements for registration drives.

Compensation Restrictions: Do not pay registration drive participants based on how many registrations they collect or on the total number of individuals a person registers to vote in a particular political party; it is a criminal offense in Michigan. Do not offer an applicant any incentive of monetary value to register to vote.

State Guide: The Secretary of State’s guide to voter registration drives is located here: bit.ly/misosvoterregdrive

Obtaining Applications

State Form: The state mail-in voter registration application can be downloaded here: bit.ly/45gtxxM

Federal Form: The federal mail-in voter registration application may also be used in voter registration drives and must be accepted by the Secretary of State: eac.gov/voters/national-mail-voter-registration-form/

Photocopying Blank Forms: Blank applications may be photocopied and used in voter registration drives.

Handling Applications

Incomplete Applications: Individuals registering persons to vote may not fill in any missing or incomplete information on a registration form themselves.

Photocopying Completed Applications: There is no law or rule prohibiting photocopying or retaining information from completed registration applications. As a best practice, a voter’s full or partial Social Security Number and/or driver’s license number should not be retained.

Submitting Applications: Completed forms may be emailed, mailed or hand delivered to an election clerk. To determine which election clerk should receive a form, look up the home address listed on the voter registration application at Michigan.gov/Vote by selecting “Your Clerk” which can also be accessed here: mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index/#yourclerk

Fair Elections Center and its Campus Vote Project intend the information contained herein to be used only as a general guide. This document should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a licensed Michigan legal professional.

Last updated May 2025