When are voting rights restored in Michigan?

Michigan falls under the "Restored on release from prison" category. Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from incarceration. You can vote while on probation or parole.

How do I re-register to vote in Michigan?

Register online at mvic.sos.state.mi.us, at your local clerk's office, or at a Secretary of State branch.

Can I vote in Michigan if I have a felony conviction?

Yes, as long as you are not currently confined in jail or prison. Michigan restores voting rights automatically upon release from incarceration. There is no waiting period, no requirement to complete probation or parole, and no fines to pay. You can register and vote immediately after release.

How do I register to vote after being released from prison in Michigan?

If you were released from a Michigan state prison after June 2025, you may already be automatically registered under HB 4983. Check your status at mvic.sos.state.mi.us. If you need to register, do so online at that same site, at a Secretary of State branch office, or at your local city or township clerk's office. You will need your Michigan driver's license or state ID number.

What is HB 4983 and how does it affect me?

HB 4983, signed into law in November 2023 and effective June 2025, makes Michigan the first state to automatically register people to vote when they are released from state prison. The Department of Corrections coordinates with the Secretary of State to issue you a state ID and register you to vote at release, unless you choose to opt out.

Do I need a photo ID to vote in Michigan?

Michigan requests a photo ID when you vote, but if you do not have one, you can sign an affidavit affirming your identity and still cast a regular ballot. Acceptable photo IDs include a Michigan driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or student ID with photo. If you were released from prison under HB 4983, a state ID was issued at release.

Can I register to vote on Election Day in Michigan?

Yes. Since Proposal 3 (2018), Michigan allows same-day voter registration, including on Election Day. If you register within 14 days of an election, you must do so in person at your local city or township clerk's office and provide proof of residency (such as a utility bill, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and current address).

Can I vote by absentee ballot in Michigan with a felony record?

Yes. Any registered voter in Michigan can vote absentee without giving a reason, thanks to Proposal 3 (2018). Request an absentee ballot from your local clerk's office. You can return it by mail, at a drop box, or in person at your clerk's office. Track your ballot at mvic.sos.state.mi.us.

What did Proposal 2 (2022) change about voting in Michigan?

Proposal 2 amended the Michigan Constitution to establish nine days of early in-person voting, same-day voter registration (already passed in 2018 but further codified), state-funded prepaid postage for absentee ballots, and provisions allowing voters without photo ID to sign an affidavit and cast a regular ballot. These changes benefit all voters, including those with felony convictions.

Can I vote while in county jail awaiting trial in Michigan?

Yes. If you are in county jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention) and have not been convicted, you retain the right to vote. You can request an absentee ballot from your local clerk's office. Contact the jail administration to assist with the process.

Can Felons Vote in Michigan?

Restored on release from prison

Yes, you can vote in Michigan with a felony conviction as long as you are not currently confined in jail or prison. Your voting rights are automatically restored the day you are released. You can vote while on probation, parole, or any form of community supervision. As of June 2025, you are automatically registered to vote when released from a Michigan state prison unless you opt out.

Last updated: 2026-03-21

Overview

Michigan automatically restores voting rights when a person is released from incarceration. People on probation or parole can vote — the restriction applies only while a person is physically confined in jail or prison. In 2023, Michigan became the first state in the nation to enact automatic voter registration for people leaving prison: under HB 4983 (effective June 2025), the Department of Corrections coordinates with the Secretary of State to issue a state ID and automatically register people to vote upon release, unless they opt out. Michigan's 2022 Proposal 2 also enshrined expanded voting access in the state constitution, including nine days of early voting and same-day registration.

Quick Answer

Can vote

✓Released from jail or prison (even if released the same day as an election)
✓On state or federal parole
✓On felony probation (supervised or unsupervised)
✓On community supervision of any kind
✓Serving a sentence that does not include incarceration (e.g., straight probation)
✓In county jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention) — not yet convicted
✓Convicted of a misdemeanor (misdemeanors do not affect voting rights)
✓Felony conviction was set aside, expunged, or reversed on appeal
✓Convicted of a felony in another state but now reside in Michigan and are not currently incarcerated

Cannot vote

✗Currently incarcerated in a Michigan state prison for a felony conviction
✗Currently incarcerated in a federal prison for a felony conviction
✗Currently confined in a county jail serving a felony sentence
✗Currently confined in a county jail serving a misdemeanor sentence (only while physically confined)
✗Found mentally incompetent to vote by a court (rarely applied)

Step-by-Step Process

Confirm your eligibility

You can vote if you are not currently confined in jail or prison. There is no waiting period after release, no requirement to complete probation or parole, and no fines or fees to pay first. If you are unsure of your status, contact the Michigan Secretary of State at (888) 767-6424.

Register to vote (or confirm automatic registration)

As of June 2025, if you are released from a Michigan state prison, you are automatically registered to vote unless you opted out during the release process. Check your registration at mvic.sos.state.mi.us. If you are not automatically registered, register online at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/RegisterVoter using your Michigan driver's license or state ID number, at your local city or township clerk's office, or at a Secretary of State branch office.

Meet the registration deadline or use same-day registration

Michigan allows same-day voter registration through Election Day. If you register within 14 days of an election (including on Election Day itself), you must register in person at your local clerk's office (not online). You will need to show proof of residency. If registering more than 14 days before Election Day, you can register online, by mail, or in person.

Obtain acceptable photo ID

Michigan requests (but does not absolutely require) a photo ID when voting. Acceptable forms include a Michigan driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, or student ID with photo. If you do not have a photo ID, you can sign an affidavit affirming your identity and still cast a regular ballot. Under HB 4983, a state ID is issued at release from prison.

Vote early, on Election Day, or by absentee ballot

Since Proposal 2 (2022), Michigan offers nine days of early in-person voting before Election Day at your local clerk's office. You can also vote on Election Day at your assigned precinct, or by absentee ballot (any registered voter can vote absentee without giving a reason). Request an absentee ballot from your local clerk.

Track your ballot and keep your registration current

Track your absentee ballot status at mvic.sos.state.mi.us. Once registered, you stay registered as long as you continue to vote or respond to registration mailings. If you move, update your address with the Secretary of State or your local clerk to ensure your registration stays active.

Key Laws

Law	Year	Description
Michigan Constitution, Article II, Section 2	1963 Constitution	Authorizes the legislature to exclude persons from voting because of mental incompetence or commitment to a jail or penal institution. This is the constitutional basis for Michigan's rule that only people currently confined are barred from voting — once released, the exclusion no longer applies.
MCL 168.758b — Voting by Persons Confined Prohibited	Part of Michigan Election Law (Act 116 of 1954)	Prohibits a person who has been convicted and sentenced to confinement in jail or prison from voting while confined. The prohibition ends upon release. This statute confirms that voting rights are tied to physical confinement, not to the completion of probation or parole.
Proposal 2 (2022) — Promote the Vote Constitutional Amendment	2022	Voter-approved constitutional amendment that enshrined expanded voting access including nine days of early voting, same-day voter registration, a state-funded prepaid postage program for absentee ballots, and voter ID provisions allowing an affidavit in lieu of photo ID. These provisions benefit all voters, including those with felony histories.
HB 4983 — Automatic Voter Registration for People Leaving Prison	2023 (effective June 2025)	Signed by Governor Whitmer on November 30, 2023, this law makes Michigan the first state to automatically register people to vote upon release from state prison. The Department of Corrections coordinates with the Secretary of State to issue a state ID and register voters at release, unless the individual opts out. Effective June 2025.
Proposal 3 (2018) — Voters Not Politicians (Redistricting and Voter Access)	2018	Constitutional amendment that, among other changes, established automatic voter registration through the Secretary of State. HB 4983 expanded this automatic registration system to include the Department of Corrections. Proposal 3 also established same-day voter registration and no-reason absentee voting.

Edge Cases

Can I vote while on parole in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan law only bars voting while you are physically confined in jail or prison. Once you are released, your voting rights are restored immediately, even if you are on parole or any form of community supervision. You can register and vote while on parole.

Can I vote while on probation in Michigan?

Yes. Probation does not affect your voting rights in Michigan. Whether you were sentenced to straight probation (with no jail time) or have been released from jail and placed on probation, you are eligible to vote. This applies to both supervised and unsupervised probation.

I was released from a Michigan prison after June 2025. Am I automatically registered?

Most likely yes. Under HB 4983, the Department of Corrections coordinates with the Secretary of State to automatically register you to vote upon release, unless you specifically opted out during the release process. You are also issued a state ID. Check your registration status at mvic.sos.state.mi.us to confirm.

Do I need to pay fines, fees, or restitution before I can vote?

No. Michigan does not require payment of any fines, fees, or restitution as a condition of voting. Your voting rights are restored upon release from confinement, regardless of any outstanding financial obligations.

Can I vote if I have a federal felony conviction but live in Michigan?

Yes, as long as you are not currently confined in a federal prison or jail. Michigan law restores voting rights upon release from incarceration, regardless of whether the conviction was state or federal. Once released from federal custody, you can register and vote in Michigan.

Can I vote if I am in county jail serving a misdemeanor sentence?

No, not while physically confined. MCL 168.758b bars voting by any person 'confined in jail or prison' regardless of whether the sentence is for a felony or misdemeanor. However, your voting rights are restored as soon as you are released from jail.

Can I vote in Michigan if I was convicted of a felony in another state?

Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated. Michigan does not impose additional restrictions based on out-of-state convictions. If you have been released from custody and are a Michigan resident, you can register and vote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I vote in Michigan if I have a felony conviction?: Yes, as long as you are not currently confined in jail or prison. Michigan restores voting rights automatically upon release from incarceration. There is no waiting period, no requirement to complete probation or parole, and no fines to pay. You can register and vote immediately after release.
How do I register to vote after being released from prison in Michigan?: If you were released from a Michigan state prison after June 2025, you may already be automatically registered under HB 4983. Check your status at mvic.sos.state.mi.us. If you need to register, do so online at that same site, at a Secretary of State branch office, or at your local city or township clerk's office. You will need your Michigan driver's license or state ID number.
What is HB 4983 and how does it affect me?: HB 4983, signed into law in November 2023 and effective June 2025, makes Michigan the first state to automatically register people to vote when they are released from state prison. The Department of Corrections coordinates with the Secretary of State to issue you a state ID and register you to vote at release, unless you choose to opt out.
Do I need a photo ID to vote in Michigan?: Michigan requests a photo ID when you vote, but if you do not have one, you can sign an affidavit affirming your identity and still cast a regular ballot. Acceptable photo IDs include a Michigan driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or student ID with photo. If you were released from prison under HB 4983, a state ID was issued at release.
Can I register to vote on Election Day in Michigan?: Yes. Since Proposal 3 (2018), Michigan allows same-day voter registration, including on Election Day. If you register within 14 days of an election, you must do so in person at your local city or township clerk's office and provide proof of residency (such as a utility bill, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and current address).
Can I vote by absentee ballot in Michigan with a felony record?: Yes. Any registered voter in Michigan can vote absentee without giving a reason, thanks to Proposal 3 (2018). Request an absentee ballot from your local clerk's office. You can return it by mail, at a drop box, or in person at your clerk's office. Track your ballot at mvic.sos.state.mi.us.
What did Proposal 2 (2022) change about voting in Michigan?: Proposal 2 amended the Michigan Constitution to establish nine days of early in-person voting, same-day voter registration (already passed in 2018 but further codified), state-funded prepaid postage for absentee ballots, and provisions allowing voters without photo ID to sign an affidavit and cast a regular ballot. These changes benefit all voters, including those with felony convictions.
What if I was wrongly told I cannot vote because of my felony?: Misinformation about felon voting rights is common. If you have been released from jail or prison, you can vote — even if you are on probation or parole. Contact the Michigan Secretary of State at (888) 767-6424 or your local clerk's office to confirm your eligibility. Safe & Just Michigan (safeandjustmi.org) also provides free voting rights information.
Can I vote while in county jail awaiting trial in Michigan?: Yes. If you are in county jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention) and have not been convicted, you retain the right to vote. You can request an absentee ballot from your local clerk's office. Contact the jail administration to assist with the process.

Take Action — Direct Links

Michigan Voter Information Center (MVIC) — Check Registration & Register
Check your voter registration status, register to vote online, find your polling place, track your absentee ballot, and view your sample ballot.
Michigan Secretary of State — Voter Registration
Online voter registration portal. Register using your Michigan driver's license or state ID number.
Safe & Just Michigan — Formerly Incarcerated People Can Vote
Plain-language explainer of Michigan voting rights for people with felony convictions, including eligibility rules and how to register.
Michigan Department of Corrections — Voting Rights
Information on the Department of Corrections' role in voter registration upon release under HB 4983, including the automatic registration process.
Campaign Legal Center — Restore Your Vote (Michigan)
Interactive tool that walks you through Michigan's specific voting rights rules and helps determine your eligibility after a felony conviction.
Michigan Secretary of State — Find Your Local Clerk
Directory of local city and township clerks for voter registration, absentee ballot requests, and election questions.
US Vote Foundation — Michigan Voting Rights Restoration
Overview of Michigan's voting rights restoration process for people with felony convictions, with links to registration resources.

Video Guides

Search on YouTube

Sources

Disclaimer: Source: National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Cross-reference: Campaign Legal Center. This is informational only, not legal advice. Laws change frequently. Verify current rules with your state election office or consult a qualified attorney in Michigan.

← Massachusetts

Back to all states

Minnesota→

All states

ME VT DC AK CA CO CT HI IL IN MD MA MI MN MT NV NH NJ NM NY ND OH OR PA RI UT WA AR GA ID KS LA MO NE NC OK SC SD TX WV WI AL AZ DE FL IA KY MS TN VA WY

Full dataset: NCSL Felon Voting Rights