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.

2023 Absentee Voting - Return Envelope Color Update

City of Portage residents voting absentee in 2023 will notice something different when their absentee ballot arrives in the mail, but there is no cause for concern.  The absentee ballot envelopes, starting with the Special May 2 Election, will begin using the ballot return envelope with a purple bar on the left.  The former return envelopes with the dark green bar have been phased out by The U.S. Postal Service.

The U.S. Postal Service discovered that the prior green envelope version too closely resembles the envelopes used by the USPS for certified mail.  As such, the Postal Service has mandated the change to the purple return absentee ballot envelopes.  There is no cause for alarm, as all ballots will continue to be handled and counted as safely and securely as usual.  The new design will be rolled out in late March 2023 in conjunction with the May Special Election.

2023 Envelope Comparison


2023 Permanent Absentee Voting Sign-Up

Are you a resident who tends to be out-of-town on Election Day?  Are you frustrated by having to continually reapply for your Absentee Ballot before each election?  You may be interested in signing up for the PERMANENT ABSENTEE VOTER BALLOT LIST.  Recent changes to Michigan Election Law permits a one-time application to receive your Absentee Ballot for all elections going forward.  

If you are a snowbird, a student, or just someone who likes to travel, please fill out the form below to receive your Absentee Voter Ballot. 

https://www.portagemi.gov/FormCenter/City-Clerk-6/Students-and-Snowbirds-Absentee-Voting-135

  1. Online
  2. By Mail
  3. In Person

  1. Submit 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 sbmit the application online following the link below: 

    Apply for an absentee ballot online

  2. Completed Application

    Submitting a request using the above link submits the application automatically to the City Clerk's Office.  Once we receive your completed application, we will mail out your absentee ballot.  

  3. Complete Your Absentee Ballot

    Once you have completed your absentee ballot, you can return your 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