Vote by Mail

During an Election season, you can request an absent voter ballot online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at mi.gov/vote.

In accordance with Michigan Election Law, we can mail your ballot until 5 p.m. on the Friday before an election.

The City Clerk's Office will be open on the Saturday, prior to an election from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. to obtain an absent voter ballot in-person as well as assist with any other Election related needs. 

In addition, on the Monday prior to the Election, you can obtain an absent voter ballot in-person at the City Clerk's Office until 4 p.m.

A voter who registers to vote on Election Day by appearing in-person at the City Clerk's Office, with valid proof of residency, is also eligible to obtain an absent voter ballot until 8:00 pm on Election Day.

There are now two options to vote by mail. Voters can complete and return an application for an Absent Voter Ballot or be added to the Permanent Ballot List to automatically receive a ballot before every election.

Permanent Ballot List

To request to be added to the Permanent Ballot List, check the box on the application for an Absent Voter Ballot.

You will automatically receive a ballot for every election to your registered address. You will no longer need to fill out an application to receive a ballot. *

If you are going out of town, you will need to contact the Clerk’s office as ballots do not forward.

*Michigan Election Law (MCL 168.615c) requires that voters indicate in writing which political party ballot they wish to vote. This requirement only applies to Presidential Primary elections.

Permanent Application List

If you would like to receive an application by mail for every election, you can be on the Permanent Application List.

If you are a snowbird or frequent traveler, you can let us know which address you would like your ballot mailed to on your application.

You can apply for an Absent Voter Ballot before any election online at mi.gov/vote or by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 586-446-2420 or via e-mail at vote@sterlingheights.gov.

Return your application by drop box, mail (postage is pre-paid!), or email to vote@sterlingheights.gov.

Ballots are mailed out 45 days before an election. You can return your voted ballot by drop box, mail (postage is pre-paid) or in-person at the Election Center.

Military and Overseas Voters

If you are in the Military or an American Overseas, please visit FVAP.gov for further information and to request an absentee ballot via the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).

You have the option to receive your ballot by email. Scan or take a picture of your completed FPCA and email to vote@sterlingheights.govor mail to the City Clerk’s office.

Drop Box Locations