How to Vote by Absentee Ballot in Troy

If you are already registered to vote and are considering voting in the Nov. 6 general election by absentee ballot, here's what you need to know. (And if you haven't yet registered to vote, you have until Oct. 9 to do so.)

Applying for an absentee ballot

Those who aren't able to go to the polls on election day may cast an absentee ballot. To download an application, visit the Troy City Clerk's website; you may also print the PDF file attached to this story.

"Voters can submit applications for absentee ballots up until the Saturday before the election (Nov. 3)," Troy City Clerk Aileen Bittner said in an email to Patch. "Also, requests for absent voter ballots can be made on the forms provided by the Clerk’s Office or on any of the forms distributed by parties or campaigns – the application process is casual that way."

Bittner said absentee ballot applications must simply contain the voter's "name, address, signature and reason for needing an absentee ballot," which "must be one of the approved reasons."

Requests to receive an absentee voter ballot must be received by the Troy City Clerk no later than 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3. 

Criteria for voting by absentee ballot

Registered voters may obtain an absentee voter ballot if they are:

• age 60 years old or older
• unable to vote without assistance at the polls
• expecting to be out of town on election day
• in jail awaiting arraignment or trial
• unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons
• appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence.

When to turn in your absentee ballot

Voters have until 8 p.m. on election day to complete the ballot and return it to the clerk's office.

Registering to vote

Troy residents have until Oct. 9 to register at Troy City Hall, any Secretary of State office or by mail. In order to vote, you must:

• be 18 years or older on or before election day
• be a citizen of the U.S.
• have lived in Michigan for at least 30 days
• be registered on or before the close of registration

Additional information about voting in the City of Troy is available on the city's website or by calling the Troy City Clerk's office at 248-524-3316. For more information about voting in Michigan, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center.