Michigan elections FAQ: How to find out what’s on your ballot

• Bridge is answering questions from readers throughout the campaign season
• Readers asked where they can find ballot information ahead of casting their vote
• Sample ballots for the Nov. 5 election can be found at latest by Sept. 21, and by June 22 for the Aug. 6 primaries.

Bridge Michigan launched its Ask Bridge Anything feature in its Voter Guide recently to invite readers to ask questions about politics and elections. We’ve received a big variety of questions, and we’re working our way through them.

One reader asks: “Please share a source for seeing what will appear on the ballot in November for our specific polling place. I like to prepare!”

Specific information about the November election isn’t yet available, but Michigan voters will soon have access to everything that will be on their Aug. 6 primary ballots. 

Related:

• Michigan elections FAQ: Does Michigan Lottery money go directly to schools?
• Michigan elections FAQ: How to find information about local candidates
• Michigan elections FAQ: Yes, Mike Rogers moved back from Florida

The deadline for county clerks to deliver ballot wording to local clerks is June 22 — 40 days prior to the primary — in time for absentee ballots to be printed and delivered. 

While the August election is known primarily for choosing party candidates for offices for the November general election, some communities will also decide issues on the ballot such as millage increases for schools or communities.

Bridge has compiled a few resources for voters preparing for both upcoming elections. 

• The website vote411.org, a product of the League of Women Voters, is a resource for personalized voting information. Voters can type in their address to find their polling place, and the ballot they’ll find there. The website will include everything on a local ballot, from candidates running for offices to millage proposals to school board races. The system will be up and running in Michigan on or shortly after June 27.
• The Secretary of State has a similar website that displays sample ballots for those who provide the election, county, jurisdiction and precinct. Information on the August and November elections will be available this summer and fall. Michigan.gov/vote provides information on registering to vote, getting an absentee ballot and finding your polling place.
• Bridge Michigan’s 2024 Voter Guide has information about the elections themselves and where to find information about local candidates. 
• Voters can also find information about the ballot for their specific polling location through the offices of local county clerks. For the Aug. 6 primary, sample ballots will be made available by June 22. To see their sample ballot, voters can call their local county or look online. For the November election, sample ballots will be made available to voters by Sept. 21 at the latest, according to the Michigan Calendar of Elections.