Vote Early or By Mail Using 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 early 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.

If you want to vote early, you can pick up an absentee ballot in person from the City Clerk's Office and complete it in the office.

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

Requests to have an absent voter ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before the election.

Online

Step 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. 

Request an Absent Voter Ballot Application

Step 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 by email to elections@kalamazoocity.org. You can also or in to a drop box, or person or by mail to:

Kalamazoo City Clerk's Office
241 W South Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Note: The Absent Voter Ballot Application must be signed

Step 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 five secure drop boxes located around the city. You cannot return absentee ballots to precinct polling locations.

Absentee ballots must be received by the City Clerk's Office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. 

Step 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. 

Michigan Voter Information Center

By Mail

Step 1.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 Kalamazoo City Clerk's Office. 

Absent Voter Ballot Application(PDF, 119KB)

Step 2.Mail Your Application to the City Clerk

Mail your completed application to the Kalamazoo City Clerk's Office:

Kalamazoo City Clerk
241 W South Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Step 3.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. 

Step 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. 

Michigan Voter Information Center

In Person

Step 1.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. 

Step 2.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 received by the City Clerk's Office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.