Voting at Albion

Every vote counts.

Voting is a powerful way to participate in our democracy. At Albion, we are a community of purpose, belonging and action, and we believe that all students should feel empowered to make their voices heard in elections.

TurboVote

Albion partners with TurboVote to provide a safe, easy platform where students, faculty and staff can register to vote, update their voter registration, request an absentee ballot and receive regular election reminders. It takes two minutes to sign up! Albion's partnership with TurboVote is supported by the Albion College Student Senate.

Visit albion.turbovote.org today

Beyond Voting

We recognize that civic engagement goes far beyond voting. We encourage Albion students, faculty and staff to make their voices heard in their local and national communities. 

  • Engage in discussion with your peers, especially those who come from different backgrounds and have different perspectives. We all have much to learn from one another!
  • Encourage others to vote by sharing resources to register and learn more about upcoming elections. The ALL IN Challenge hosts regular, free Campus Couch Parties where students can participate in peer-to-peer text banking for virtual voter engagement.
  • Research the issues that matter to you by keeping up with the news online or subscribing to a local or national newspaper. Albion students, faculty and staff are eligible for free access to the New York Times.
  • Attend local community and political events to learn about how you can engage with decision making. Many events are offered virtually, making it easy to participate safely during COVID-19.
  • Use your platform to make your voice heard in your community through on-campus and virtual networks such as social media.
  • Lobby decision-makers. Identify your local or national representatives and get in touch via phone, email or letter about the issues you care about.

2021 Voting Timeline

November 2, 2021: Michigan County General Elections

  • September 18 - November 1, 2021: In-Person Absentee Voting
  • October 18: Deadline to register online to vote in Michigan and deadline to register by mail to vote in Michigan (must be postmarked by October 18.)
  • November 1: Deadline to request an absentee ballot in person in Michigan (must be received by 4 p.m.) In Albion, absentee ballots should be requested from the City Clerk’s Office.
  • November 2, 2021: Michigan County General Elections. Voters may register in-person to vote in Michigan (available at designated locations in each town - usually your local City Clerk’s office.) Same day registration and voting ends at 8 p.m. Completed absentee ballots must be returned by 8 p.m.

Voter Guides

With so much information out there, it can be hard to know where to turn. The following sites offer reliable, nonpartisan voter information and resources:

  • Vote411: Run by the League of Women Voters, Vote411 allows you to quickly access information on where to vote, your ballot questions and candidate positions simply by entering your address.
  • Rock the Vote: Get simple, clear information on how and where to vote in your state.
  • Campus Election Engagement Project: Access resources specifically for voting engagement on campus, including social media toolkits, guides to hosting campus voter registration drives, candidate and issue guides for each state and more.
  • Voter Participation Center: Learn how and when to vote in each state, and check your registration is up to date.

Voting FAQ

Should I register to vote at my school address or my home address?

This is entirely your decision to make! You are eligible to register either at your home address or your school address. Factors to consider:

  • What is most convenient for you? Would you like to vote by mail or in-person? To register at an address, you must be a Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote).
  • If you register at an address that is different than what is listed on your Michigan driver’s license, be aware that any change to your voter registration address will auto-update the state’s records for your driver’s license as well. You will be sent a sticker in the mail to update the address on your license.

Can I register to vote in Michigan if I’m a college student from out of state?

Yes. If you are an out-of-state student attending school in Michigan, you can register to vote at your school address in Michigan, or your home address to vote in your home state’s elections. You can only vote in one state, so registering to vote in Michigan means you cannot vote in your home state and vice-versa.

If you are an out-of-state student and want to register to vote in Michigan:

  • If there are MORE than 14 days before Election day, visit the Albion City Clerk's office at 112 W. Cass Street to register OR download the State of Michigan Voter Registration Application to mail to your clerk with a valid form of identification (a copy of your home state ID is sufficient).
  • If you have a state of Michigan driver’s license or state ID you can register to vote online at michigan.gov/vote.
  • During the 14 days before and on election day, you will need to visit the Albion City Clerk’s office to register to vote or update your registration address AND you will need to provide proof of residency documentation.

Will registering at my school address change my driver’s license address?

Yes. In Michigan, the address on your driver’s license and your voter registration must match.

When is the deadline to register to vote?

In Michigan, you have until election day at 8 p.m. to register to vote but the earlier you register, the quicker and easier it will be.

Will registering at my school address change my driver’s license address?

Yes. In Michigan, the address on your driver’s license and your voter registration must match.

What counts as proof of residency when registering to vote?

You should submit two of the following documents to show proof of residency in Michigan:

  • A valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID
  • Financial aid documents
  • University registration forms
  • Bank statement
  • Credit card bill
  • Utility bill
  • Paystub
  • A webpage on your university student portal displaying your name and the address where you want to register

The following are not considered a valid form of proof of residency:

  • An expired ID or license
  • A student ID that does NOT display your current address
  • An Amazon package or any non-official piece of mail

How do I vote by mail?

Any voter can vote by mail in Michigan. If you would like to vote by mail, your election office must receive your request by October 18. You can also request a ballot at your city clerk’s office in person through November 2.

If you are returning your ballot through the US Postal Service mail, you should place your ballot in the mail at least 14 days prior to election day to ensure that it arrives in time to be counted.

You can track the status of your ballot by visiting michigan.gov/vote and selecting “your voter information” from the menu bar.

Do I need an ID to vote in person?

No – an ID is not required to vote in Michigan.

At the polls, you will be asked to present a photo ID. If you have it, bring it with you. If you don’t have an ID or didn't bring it with you to the polls, you can still vote. You will simply sign a brief affidavit stating that you’re not in possession of a photo ID. Your ballot will still be included with all others and counted on Election Day.

How do I stay safe at the polls during the pandemic?

Wearing a mask for your health and safety and for the safety of those around you is encouraged, as is physical distancing, washing your hands and using hand sanitizer.