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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 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
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:
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.
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.
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.
Complete the Absent Voter Ballot Application
All voters must complete an Absent Voter Ballot Application before an absentee ballot can be mailed. You can download the form below and return it by mail to the Portage City Clerk's Office.
Absent Voter Ballot ApplicationMail Your Application to the Clerk's Office
Mail your completed application to the City of Portage Clerk's Office at Portage City Hall:
7900 South Westnedge Avenue
Portage, MI 49002
Note: The Absent Voter Ballot Application must be signed.
Complete Your Absentee Ballot
Once your application is received, your absentee ballot will be mailed to you. Vote the ballot and return it by mail using the instructions and envelope provided.
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.
Visit the City Clerk's Office
You can request an absentee ballot in person at the City Clerk's Office located on the first floor of City Hall. Our team will ask you to complete the Absent Voter Ballot Application and can provide an absentee ballot to you while you're in the office.
Absentee ballots cannot be given to anyone other than the voter. You will also be asked to present a valid photo ID before receiving an absentee ballot. You can still vote if you don't have one on you- you'll just have to sign an affidavit stating you are not in possession of photo ID.
Vote Your Absentee Ballot
You can vote your absentee ballot before you leave City Hall if you prefer. Otherwise, complete and return it to the City Clerk's Office or an official drop box before 8 p.m. on Election Day. Absentee ballots cannot be returned to precinct polling locations.
Absentee ballots must be returned to the City Clerk's Office before 8:00 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.-
Office of the City Clerk
Physical Address
7900 South Westnedge Avenue
Portage, MI 49002
Phone: (269) 329-4511Fax: (269) 324-8070
Accessibility & Absentee Ballots
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Military & Overseas Citizens
- Members of the military may contact their commanding officer and receive a Federal Post Card Registration and Absentee Ballot Application (FPCA).
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