Early Voting
Early Voting (for both precincts 1 and 2) will be held Saturday, July 25, 2026 through Monday, August 2, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily inside City Hall (Community Room) at 36725 Division Rd., Richmond, MI 48062.
At this time, early voting in the City of Richmond is available only during State and Federal elections, pursuant to MCL Section 168.720b. For additional information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (586) 727-7571.
What is early voting?
In November 2022, Michigan voters approved a Constitutional Amendment that gives voters the right to 9 days of early in-person voting for every state and federal election.
Early voting allows a voter to cast a ballot before Election Day, an experience similar to voting on Election Day. During the early voting period, voters are issued a ballot and can then insert their ballot directly into a tabulator at their early voting site during the 9 days prior to the election. This option is available to voters that prefer to vote in person but allows more flexibility as to when they cast their ballot. Just as on Election Day, strict security is enforced. Cast ballots will be stored, sealed and secured until after the polls close at 8:00 pm on Election Night. At that time, the ballots from Early-Voting will be tabulated and reported.
How is early voting different from absentee voting?
Both early in-person voting and absentee voting allow voters to cast a ballot prior to Election Day. However, there are key differences between the two methods of voting.
Early voting allows voters to cast a ballot similar to how they would do so at a polling place on Election Day. Voters are issued a ballot and can personally insert it into the tabulator at their early voting site.
Absentee voting allows voters to request a ballot by mail or in person at their local clerk’s office. Voters can complete their absentee ballot at home or at their local clerk’s office and return it in a state pre-paid envelope, in person, or by our 24-hour drop box (located inside City Hall, 37625 Division Rd). After an absentee ballot is received by the local clerk, the voter’s absentee ballot is processed and tabulated on Election Day by a certified election inspector.
Absentee voters have more flexibility to “spoil” their ballot, or change their vote after it has been submitted as it will not be cast until Election Day. Ballots that are cast during early voting are deposited and recorded by the tabulator immediately. Once a vote is cast and deposited inside a tabulator, all opportunities to spoil, cancel, or change your vote is over.