Election Day 2020
A election day poll worker retrieves an absentee ballot from a voter. Image courtesy of Jim West
As we prepare for “the most important election in our lifetime,” Detroiters have been inundated with information on how voting will be different this year, especially considering the COVID19 Pandemic. Millions of people will be voting by absentee ballot for the first time in this election, and it can be confusing. To make sure that your absentee ballot isn’t thrown out, be sure you do the following:
Read and follow the instructions on the absentee ballot carefully.
Be sure to put your ballot into the secrecy envelope with the perforated tab sticking out and then put it in the mailing envelope.
Be sure you sign and date the outside envelope where indicated. Hundreds of thousands of ballots get thrown out because the outside mailing envelope wasn’t signed.
If you realize you’ve made a mistake and need a new ballot, contact the Detroit Department of Elections, 2978 W. Grand Blvd., 313-876-0190 right away
Below are some other Frequently Answered Questions which may help you in successfully navigating the political waters of this election.
As the risk of COVID-19 is still imminent, how can voters safely participate in the general election on Nov. 3?
All voters have the right to vote safely from home via absentee ballot. To do so, voters must either submit their absentee ballot application online at Michigan.gov/Vote or download an application to return to the City Clerk’s office by email, mail, or in person before 5 p.m. on Oct. 30, 2020, the deadline to request to receive a ballot by mail. After Oct. 30, if a voter has not yet registered to vote absentee, they can still request an absentee ballot in person at the City Clerk’s Office up until 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2. All precinct polling locations will remain open in each jurisdiction on Nov. 3 for those who wish to cast their vote in person. The Michigan Bureau of Elections will provide all local jurisdictions with personal protective equipment and hygiene supplies to ensure that all polling places are sanitized.
Will precinct polling locations still be open for those who prefer to vote in person?
Yes. All polling places will remain open in each jurisdiction on Tuesday, Nov. 3 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. for those who wish to cast their vote in person. Voters can locate their assigned polling location by visiting Michigan.gov/Vote.
When is the deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail?
The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, however, it is advised that voters submit their absentee ballot application much earlier than this date to avoid the potential for mailing delays. Voters can request an absentee ballot be sent to them by mail by completing an absentee ballot application online at Michigan.gov/Vote or downloading an absentee ballot application to complete and return to their local clerk’s office by email, mail, or in person.
Will all those who have signed up to be on the permanent absentee voting list automatically receive an absentee ballot for the Nov. 3 election?
No. Voters who are on the permanent absentee voting list still need to complete and submit an absent voter ballot application either online at Michigan.gov/Vote or by email, mail, or in person at their local clerk’s office order to receive an absentee ballot by mail ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The permanent absentee voting list only ensures that a voter automatically receives an absentee ballot application from their local clerk’s office ahead of every election. An absentee ballot is not automatically sent to voters on this list.
How can voters return their absentee ballot to ensure it is received and counted starting on Election Day?
To avoid the potential for postal delays, voters are encouraged to return their completed ballot to their local clerk’s absentee ballot drop box located throughout the city of Detroit, prior to 8 p.m. on the day of the general election. You can find your nearest drop box through MichiganDropBox.com. Those who plan to return their absentee ballot by mail are cautioned to do so no later than Tuesday, Oct. 20 to ensure their ballot arrives in time to be counted on Nov. 3. Additionally, voters are reminded that U.S. postage is required to submit an absentee ballot by mail.
Are voters required to wear a face mask to cast their vote in person at their precinct polling location in the upcoming Nov. 3 general election?
Pursuant to Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020- 153, voters are encouraged but not required to wear a face covering while at a polling place for the purposes of voting in an election.
What must voters bring with them to the polls in order to vote?
Before arriving at a precinct polling location, voters should ensure their voter registration information is accurate and up to date by visiting Michigan.gov/Vote. Voters can also confirm their polling location at this website. Michigan’s voter identification requirement asks voters to present up-to-date and accurate photo identification in order to cast their ballot or, if they do not have it, to sign an affidavit. Acceptable forms of photo ID include:
Michigan driver’s license or state identification card
Driver’s license or state ID card issued by another state
A valid U.S. passport Federal or state government-issued photo identification
Military ID with photo
Student ID card
Tribal identification card with photo
Please note, state law does not require that the voter’s photo ID show the voter’s address.
Are voters required to present their driver's license or state identification card in order to vote in-person?
No. If a voter does not have their ID with them at the time of requesting a ballot, they are still eligible to vote. Voters who do not bring valid photo ID can sign a brief affidavit stating they are not in possession of a photo ID and proceed in casting their ballot.
Will the ballot for the general election be a straight-ticket, or can voters vote for candidates of more than one political party?
Unlike the Aug. 4 state primary election, the Nov. 3 general election is not a straight-ticket ballot. This means that voters can vote for candidates belonging to different political parties and are not confined to vote for candidates of just one party throughout the ballot.
This list is by no means exhaustive. For more information, please contact the Detroit Department of Elections and/or log on to the Michigan Department of State at Michigan.gov/SOS. PLEASE VOTE LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!!!
The mask says it all. Image courtesy of Jim West
