Michigan Voter ID Laws, Explained

MICHIGAN — Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has released a list of acceptable forms of identification Michiganders can present Nov. 3 when voting at their respective polling location.

Producing photo identification has been required since 1996, when state law determined it necessary.

The following documents are acceptable forms of identification:

• A Michigan driver's license or state-issued ID card
• Driver's license or personal identification card issued by another state
• Federal or state government-issued photo identification
• U.S. passport
• Military ID with photo
• Student identification with photo from a high school or accredited institution of higher learning
• Tribal identification card with photo

It is worth noting that the identification presented does not need your address on it. Also, the listed name can be a shorter variation of your official name. For example, Joseph could be Joey.

What if you forgot a photo ID?

So you traveled to your polling location but forgot a photo ID? No worries. In Michigan, there is another way.

If you do not have photo ID, you can cast a ballot by signing an affidavit, according to the Michigan SOS. The affidavit can be used by voters who do not have acceptable photo ID and voters who have photo ID but didn't bring it to the polls.

Once the affidavit has been signed, the voter can cast their ballot. It will be counted with all other ballots on Election Day.

Patch is assembling information pertinent to voters ahead of the November election. You can see other election-related stories published by Patch here:

• Michigan Elections: Important Dates To Keep In Mind
• Mail-In Voting In Michigan: Deadlines, How To Get A Ballot
  
• Early Voting Begins Thursday In Michigan: What To Know
  
• Michigan Elections: Important Dates To Keep In Mind