Don't let others decide for you: Vote on or before Nov. 5

Michigan Farm Bureau is dedicated to making voting straightforward, whether you’re registering for the first time, voting early, or casting an absentee ballot. The organization provides valuable resources to ensure your voice is heard and that agriculture is represented in the upcoming Nov. 5 general election.

“We aim to assist everyone — whether you’re a first-time voter, interested in early or absentee voting, or simply need help finding election information,” said Matt Kapp, MFB’s election expert. “Regardless of your candidate choice, our goal is to help all eligible voters exercise their right.”

Registering is easy

Anyone 18 or older can register to vote until 8 p.m. on Election Day. While early registration is encouraged, you can find detailed information on the Michigan Voter Information Center about registering, updating your information, or re-registering if you’ve moved, are a student, in the military, or living overseas.

This year, 16-year-olds can now preregister to vote, a change made by the Michigan Legislature to boost youth turnout in future elections. 

Options to vote early, absentee 

Also new in 2024, Michigan voters can vote early at designated sites. 

“Between early voting and no-reason absentee voting, every registered voter should be able to find a way to cast their ballot,” Kapp said. “From local officials to the next president, there’s a lot at stake for our communities.”

Early voting locations and hours are available online, as are details on voting absentee, including how to get your ballot and when and where it needs to be returned.

Know your ballot

Michigan Farm Bureau’s candidate locator tool helps voters understand their ballot. 

“It’s important to review the offices and candidates before you vote,” Kapp explained. “We also encourage you to cross-reference with AgriPac-endorsed Friends of Agriculture, who have been vetted by county Farm Bureaus.”

He added that it’s not a bad idea to check your polling location as well, since the 2022 redistricting maps are still relatively new. You can look up your personal voter information online or by referencing the voter information card mailed by your clerk’s office.