Vote with an Absentee Ballot

All registered voters in Michigan can vote using an absentee ballot.  You don't need an excuse or reason. Voting with an absentee ballot allows you to vote prior to Election Day or by mail without leaving your home.  You can also return absentee ballots in person to the City Clerk's Office or to an official drop box.

Absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.  If you are returning an absentee ballot within 2 weeks of Election Day, we recommend returning them to the City Clerk's Office or a drop box to avoid any postal delays.

  1. Online
  2. By Mail
  3. In Person

  1. Request an Absent Voter Ballot Application 

    State law requires voters to complete and sign an Absent Voter Ballot Application before an absentee ballot can be mailed. You can request the application online by completing a brief form. You can also request to have applications mailed to you automatically for all future elections.  

    Apply for an absentee ballot online

  2. Complete the Application

    Complete and sign the application when it arrives in the mail. You can scan and return it to the City Clerk's Office: 

    • Via e-mail to: clerkforms@portagemi.gov
    • Via postal mail to Portage City Hall at:
      • 7900 South Westnedge Avenue
        Portage, MI  49002
    • Drop off at Portage City Hall via one of the three secure outdoor drop boxes 
      • Note: The Absent Voter Ballot Application must be signed. 

  3. Complete Your Absentee Ballot

    Once we receive your completed application, we will mail your absentee ballot.  You can return your absentee ballot by mail or in-person to the City Clerk's Office. You can also drop voted absentee ballots into one of the three secure drop boxes at Portage City Hall.  You cannot return absentee ballots to precinct polling locations.

  4. Verify Your Absentee Ballot Has Been Received

    You can check to make sure your ballot was received using the Michigan Voter Information Center.  Click the icon for "My Voter Information" and look up your information.  The resulting page will confirm if your absentee ballot has been received. 
    MVIC Opens in new window