Michigan voters gain new ballot photo rights

Michigan voters can now photograph their completed ballots inside voting booths without other people appearing in the image. The Michigan Department of State and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights published these guidelines on October 30, 2026, to inform residents ahead of the election. The rules apply to all registered voters in the state and clarify specific procedures for casting ballots.

The state also issued updated guidance for voters with criminal records. A felony conviction does not permanently remove voting rights in Michigan. Individuals who have completed their jail or prison sentences can register and vote immediately. Citizens on probation or parole retain the right to cast ballots. Those currently serving a sentence in jail or prison cannot vote until they are released.

College students attending institutions in Michigan have the option to register using either their permanent home address or their campus address. Students may not be registered at both locations simultaneously. Those registered at their home address may request a mail-in ballot to be sent to their current residence. The state allows early voting for registered students who find Election Day voting difficult due to classes or work schedules.

Voters without a photo ID may still cast a ballot. Poll workers will ask these individuals to sign an affidavit stating they do not possess photo identification. The state encourages voters to ask election workers for options rather than leaving the polls. Michigan allows eligible residents to register through Election Day if they are in line at their local clerk’s office by 8:00 p.m.

The Department of Civil Rights lists specific contact numbers for voters who encounter issues. The Election Protection Hotline operates at 866-687-8683. The Office of Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey can be reached at 313-224-3270. The Office of Wayne County Clerk Cathy Garrett operates at 313-224-5525. The Michigan Department of Civil Rights handles discrimination complaints at 1-800-482-3604.

Voters with disabilities have the right to accessible polling places and voting systems. They may bring a service animal inside the polling place. Individuals may request assistance from a person of their choice, provided that person is not their employer or a labor union agent. The Ombudsperson for Accessible Elections is available at 517-335-2730 for questions regarding accessibility barriers.

Language barriers do not prevent voters from casting ballots. Voters may bring an interpreter to the polling place or clerk’s office. The state provides translated election information in 20 languages, including Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin. If a ballot is not available in the voter’s language, the voter has the right to receive assistance from a chosen individual subject to specific restrictions.