Michigan clerks begin distributing absentee ballots Thursday, Sept. 24, giving Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township voters 40 days to cast their votes before the Nov. 3 general election.

The distribution date, reported by FOX 2 Detroit citing the Michigan Secretary of State, kicks off a series of deadlines that local voters should mark now.

Registration deadlines

Oct. 19 is the last day to register to vote by mail or online. Voters need a driver's license number, Michigan state ID or the last four digits of their Social Security number to register online.

Starting Oct. 20, registration is available only in person at a local clerk's office. Voters registering within 14 days of the election or on Election Day must bring proof of residency.

Requesting an absentee ballot

The Secretary of State recommends requesting an absentee ballot by Oct. 19 to allow time for processing and mail delivery. Voters can apply online, by mail or in person at their clerk's office. Those who apply can also add themselves to the permanent absentee ballot list.

Early voting: Oct. 24 through Nov. 1

Oakland Township and Rochester Hills voters share one early voting site: Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Rd., Rochester, according to Oakland County Elections. Early voting locations may differ from Election Day precincts. Voters can confirm their assigned site at Michigan.gov/Vote.

In the November 2024 general election, more than 3.4 million Michigan voters cast ballots by mail or at early voting sites, accounting for over 60% of all votes, The Oakland Press reported.

What's on the ballot

All voters will pick candidates for governor, U.S. senator, secretary of state and attorney general. Locally, the 55th State House District race features Democrat Alex Hawkins of Rochester against Republican Mark Tisdel of Rochester Hills, according to the Oakland County candidate list.

Oakland Township residents face two millage renewals: a parks and recreation millage of up to 0.6809 mill for 10 years, estimated to collect $1,462,309 in its first year, and a safety path millage of up to 0.1580 mills for 10 years, estimated to raise $351,302 in its first year. Both figures come from Oakland County's election materials.

Countywide, voters will decide on a Detroit Zoo millage renewal and a new Southeast Michigan historical museum millage. Two statewide proposals ask whether to convene a constitutional convention and whether to ban campaign contributions from regulated utilities and large government contractors.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Voters can preview their full ballot at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/PublicBallot/Index by entering their county, city and precinct.