NEWS

How to change absentee vote if candidate drops out

Ann Arbor voter receives absentee ballot for the upcoming election. Absentee voters can still change their vote if the candidate they chose has since withdrawn from the race. Photo: Tribune Media

By Lilly Kujawski

Editor

In the past week, Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Tom Steyer and Elizabeth Warren dropped out of the running for the Democratic primary and Michael Bloomberg suspended his campaign. Absentee voters in Michigan may wish to change their vote if their candidate is no longer in the race for the March 10 election.

Spoiling an absentee ballot

Absentee voters have the right to spoil their vote under most circumstances. If you filled out your absentee ballot but haven’t sent it in yet and wish to change your vote, you can vote in person on election day by filling out an “Affidavit of Lost or Destroyed Absent Voter Ballot” form or by surrendering your original ballot.

Absentee voters who have already returned their ballots don’t have the option vote in person on election day. However, you may request a new ballot prior to election day.

Whether you have returned your absentee ballot yet or not, you can receive a new ballot in the mail by sending a written request to the city or township clerk. The request must be received by 2 p.m. the Saturday before an election. Voters also have until 4 p.m. the Monday before an election to request a new ballot in person at the clerk’s office.

Find your clerk’s office here. For more information about absentee voting and spoiling an absentee vote, check the Michigan Secretary of State website.

On the ballot

On Tuesday, Michigan voters will be asked to select either a Democratic or Republican presidential candidate on the ballot. Candidates who have withdrawn their campaigns will still appear on the ballot. Democrat candidates still active in their campaigns include Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden and Tulsi Gabbard. The active Republican candidates are Donald Trump and Bill Weld.

In Washtenaw County, voters will also see four proposals on the ballot, including a proposal to renew a property tax that funds support for WCC.

Registration and polling information

If you aren’t registered to vote yet, you can still register in person through election day, including day-of. Check your registration status, view a sample ballot and find your polling place here. The Michigan polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

The League of Women Voters of Michigan website offers a voting guide and FAQ, information about voting in Michigan and voting tips for college students.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect Elizabeth Warren’s campaign withdrawal from the Democratic primary on March 5.