Voter Details
How to Register
To register, residents must show proof of residency in the form of:
- Drivers license or State ID with address in the city or township
- Current utility bill
- Current bank statement
- Current paycheck or other governmental document
Absent Voter Ballot
The State of Michigan is now a NO-reason absentee vote state, meaning residents can cast an absentee ballot without giving a reason.
Absent Voter Applications
Michigan law requires that a new application be completed for each election for which an absentee ballot is needed. To request an Application for Absent Voters Ballot, visit the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, 26000 Evergreen Road; contact the City Clerk's Office at (248) 796-5150, or download a copy of the application for Absent Voter Ballot Form. Please be sure to sign and print your full name and address on the application form.
If you are interested in receiving an Absent Voter Application for all future elections, please complete the Permanent Absent Voter Request Form and return it to the City Clerk's Office. Once your signature is received, your name will be recorded on a Permanent Absent Voter List to receive Absent Voter Applications for all future elections.
The City Clerk's Office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Saturday prior to Election Day to accept and process Absent Voter Ballot Applications.
Absentee Ballots issued on the Monday prior to the Election must be voted on-site by 4 p.m.; they cannot leave the Municipal Building per State Election Law. All Absent Voter Ballots must be returned to the City Clerk's Office by 8 p.m. on Election night in order to be counted.
Military and Overseas Voters
New state and federal laws make it easier for military and overseas civilian voters to register and participate in elections. If you or someone you know is a member of the military or a U.S. citizen overseas, please download and complete the Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Request, Federal Post Card Application (FCPA). You can learn more about filling out an FCPA application by visiting their website.
No Campaigning at the Polls
Pursuant to Michigan Election Law, all campaigning on Election Day must be at least 100 feet from any doorway used by voters to enter the polling place. Campaign buttons, hats, clothing with candidate names or campaign slogans, must be covered or removed when entering the polling place.
Photo ID Requirement to Vote
Due to a recent court ruling, all Michigan voters must show current photo identification before voting at the polls. Voters can satisfy the picture identification requirement by showing a current Michigan driver's license or personal identification card. A voter who is unable to show picture identification can vote after signing an affidavit attesting that he or she is not in possession of picture identification.
Last Day to Register
Mailed applications must be postmarked 15 days before election day. From the 14th day before the election through Election Day, registration must be done in person at the City Clerk's Office, including on Election Day.
Election Inspectors Needed
The City Clerk’s Office is seeking applicants to work as Election Inspectors for all elections held in the City of Southfield. Michigan law allows students age 16 years or older to work at the polls.
Applications from workers of all eligible ages are welcome. You must be a registered voter in the State of Michigan. Compensation for Election Inspectors is $230 for the full day (6 a.m. until polls close and election results are reported); Chairpersons receive $275 for the day.
Fill out the Election Inspector Application (PDF) or stop by the City Clerk’s Office to submit an application.
