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1. When may I register to vote?

At any time someone may register to vote, however, you must be registered at least 30 days before an election in order to vote in that election.

2. Do I have to register for each election?

No, you do not have to register each time. Registration is permanent as long as you continue to live in the city or township where you are registered.

3. Where can I register to vote?

You can register at any of the 178 Secretary of State Offices, the office of your local city or township clerk, the office of your county clerk and other state offices.

4. May I register to vote by mail?

Yes, you may. However, individuals who register to vote by mail must vote in person in the first election following their registration unless they are 60 years of age or older or have a recognized permanent disability.

5. Can I vote by absentee ballot?

If you are a registered voter, you may obtain an absent voter ballot if:

• You are confined in jail or prison awaiting arraignment or trial.
  
• You are unable to go to the polls and vote without the assistance of another person
  
• You cannot attend the polls because of your religious beliefs
  
• You expect to be absent from the community in which you are registered to vote for the entire time the polls are open on election day
  
• You have been appointed as an election inspector in a precinct other than the one in which you reside.
  
• You are 60 years of age or older

6. May I pick up an absentee ballot for my spouse?

No. Election law allows for only the registered voter to obtain a ballot. However, you may pick up an application for an absentee ballot for your spouse and you can deliver a voted ballot of any member of your immediate family or any a member of your household.

7. I have power of attorney for my spouse, can I pick up an absentee ballot for him/her?

No - election law specifically states that power of attorney does not apply for voting purposes.

8. How do I get to vote absentee in every election?

A voter may ask to be on the permanent absent voter list if they are over the age of 60 or permanently disabled.

9. I’m on the permanent list, why didn’t I receive a ballot?

Being on the permanent list does not guarantee a ballot for every election. Rather, it means that you will automatically receive an application for an absentee ballot. The application must be completed and returned to the Office of the City Clerk prior to receiving a ballot.