1. Review the registration requirements
To be eligible to register to vote in Grand Rapids, you need to meet these requirements:
- Must be a US citizen
- Must be at least 18 years old by election day
- Must be a resident of Michigan and the City of Grand Rapids at least 30 days before election day
- Not serving a sentence in jail or prison
By Mail Effective Date
Registrations will be in effect for the next election if postmarked or delivered no later than 15 days before Election Day and all qualifications to register to vote have been met.
In Person Effective Date
Eligible citizens can now register in person at their city or township clerk's office with proof of residency starting 14 days before an election and up through 8:00 pm on Election Day.
2. Find out if you're already registered to vote
Your first step should always be to check your status. You may find that it's correct. If that's the case, then you're all set! You can Check Your Status Online on the State of Michigan's website.
If you're registered to vote, but you're details are incorrect, you'll want to Update Your Voter Registration.
3. Make sure you have all the required information
Before you update your status, have the following information ready:
- Current address
- Driver's license or State ID
FIRST-TIME MICHIGAN VOTERS
If you're registering to vote in Michigan for the first time and submit your registration form by mail, you must meet the federal identification requirement, as explained below:
1. accurately enter your state-issued driver license number or personal ID card number where requested on the form, or
2. send one of the following forms of ID when mailing the form: a COPY of a current and valid photo ID (such as a driver license or personal ID card) or a COPY of a paycheck stub, utility bill, bank statement, or government document which lists your name and address.
If you are subject to this requirement and don't provide the information above, an acceptable form of ID must be provided before you vote in the first election you wish to participate in.
NOTE: The ID requirement does not apply if you personally hand-deliver the form to your county, city or township clerk's office, if you are disabled or you are eligible to vote under the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
You may also visit a Michigan Secretary of State branch office to register.
4. Download the voter registration application
Print and fill out the PDF application to register to vote.
5. Submit your completed application
If you live in the Grand Rapids city limits, mail, email, fax, or drop off your completed application to us. Our information is in the Contact Us section of this page.
If you live outside of Grand Rapids, return your application to the clerk of your jurisdiction.
