Politics & Government

Need to Know: How to Vote in the Nov. 8 Election

The last day to register to vote in Birmingham is Oct. 11.

The Nov. 8 election is rapidly approaching, and that means one thing for Birmingham residents: prepare to participate in democracy.

Registering to vote

According to the , the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 8 election in Birmingham is Oct. 11. Other requirements:

  • You must be a U.S. citizen.
  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must have been a resident of Birmingham for at least 30 days.

You may register to vote at the City Clerk's Office (located inside ) or at any Secretary of State branch office. If you've moved to Birmingham since the last time you voted, you must register again. If you've moved within the city, however, the clerk's office can handle the change.

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All Michigan voters must use the same residential address for voter registration and driver's license. Consequently, if you change your voter registration address, your driver's license will change, and vice versa.

Voter registration information can be found at Michigan.gov.

Find out what's happening in Birminghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Voting absentee

Birmingham residents may apply for an absentee ballot at the clerk's office by mail, fax or request an application by phone or email. Applications are also available for download at bhamgov.org/voting. Your ballot will be mailed immediately.

You can receive an absentee ballot if:

  • You are unable to vote without assistance.
  • You are 60 or older.
  • You expect to be absent from the city on Election Day.
  • You are in jail, awaiting arraignment or trial.
  • You have been assigned to work as a precinct worker in a precinct other than where you are registered.
  • You are unable to attend the polls because of religious beliefs.

If you are temporarily outside the United States, you can use a federal postcard application (FPCA) to apply for an absent voter ballot. The FPCA must be signed under oath unless you, your spouse or your parents are serving in the armed forces or merchant marine.

All ballots must be back to the clerk's office by 8 p.m. Nov. 8, Election Day. If you're curious, track your absentee ballot with the Oakland County Absentee Ballot Tracker.

If you are 60 or older and would like to automaticaly receive an application for an absentee ballot for all elections, contact the City Clerk's Office using the information below.

Birmingham City Clerk's Office:

  • Phone: 248-530-1800
  • Fax: 248-530-1080
  • Email: lbroski@bhamgov.org
  • Address:
    City Clerk
    151 Martin St., first floor
    Birmingham, MI 48012


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