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Know Your Voting Rights

Voting is a Civil Right

Know Your Voting Rights

Every eligible Michigan voter has civil rights that protect their access to the polls. To help voters understand these rights, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights has created a series of pocket guides that explain voting and civil rights protections in clear, factual terms. They are free to download and share. You can also request print copies in English, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, and Mandarin Chinese.  

For reliable, current information on elections in Michigan, including registration, deadlines, polling locations, and ballot details, please also visit Michigan.gov/Vote, the state’s official resource.  

This is a nonpartisan education project. The Michigan Department of Civil Rights does not endorse candidates, parties, or ballot measures.  

Voting is a Civil Right 

Image of an American flag waving in the breeze with the words "Voting is a Civil Right" on the screen

Watch the Voting is a Civil Right Public Service Announcement Here

Voting Rights Pocket Guides

Download and share these free voting rights pocket guides. Additional languages coming soon!

 

MDCR graphic titled 'Voting in Michigan' with a voting booth displaying a U.S. flag and the word VOTE, alongside colorful curved design elements.

General Voting

Want to learn more about your voting rights? Explore information about your civil rights, registration, voting options, and what to know before an election.

Download the General Voting Pocket Guides:

English  |  Español  |  عربى  |  বাংলা  |  中文 普通话

MDCR graphic titled 'Voting with a Record in Michigan' showing a person at a voting booth with a U.S. flag backdrop and multicolored curved design elements.

Returning Citizens

Have a past conviction, criminal charge, or history of incarceration? Learn how Michigan law affects your voting rights.  

Download the Returning Citizen Pocket Guides:

English  |  Español  |  عربى  |  বাংলা  |  中文 普通话

MDCR graphic titled 'Voting for Students and Young Adults in Michigan' showing several people standing in a polling place with voting booths and U.S. flags, along with multicolored curved design elements.

Students and Young Adults

New to voting or voting away from home? Learn about registration, addresses, voting options, and your rights.  

Download the Student and Young Adult Voter Pocket Guides:

English  |  Español  |  عربى  |  বাংলা  |  中文 普通话

MDCR graphic titled 'Accessible Voting in Michigan' with a person seated at a table marking a ballot inside a brightly lit voting area, with multicolored curved design elements.

Accessible Voting

Do you need accessible voting options or accommodations? Learn about access, accommodations, and your rights as a voter with a disability.  

Download the Accessible Voting Pocket Guides:

English  |  Español  |  عربى  |  বাংলা  |  中文 普通话

MDCR graphic titled 'Language Access and Voting in Michigan' with a close-up of a hand inserting a ballot into a ballot box and multicolored curved design elements.

Language Access

Need voting information or assistance in another language? Learn about your language access rights and resources.  

Download the Language Access Pocket Guides:

English  |  Español  |  عربى  |  বাংলা  |  中文 普通话

Request More Information

You can request printed guides or an informational meeting to learn more. 

Katie Adrianse
Communications Manager
AdrianseK@michigan.gov
616-409-1100

Voting Rights Initiative Promotional Materials

We encourage organizations and community members to share these materials freely. 

  • General Voting Toolkit

    Toolkit contains sample social media posts, e-newsletter article, and press release related to general voting information. 

  • Accessible Voting Toolkit

    Toolkit contains sample social media posts, e-newsletter article, and press release related to accessibility and voting. 

  • Language Access Toolkit

    Toolkit contains sample social media posts, e-newsletter article, and press release related to voting and language access.

  • Returning Citizen Toolkit

    Toolkit contains sample social media posts, e-newsletter article, and press release related to voting with a record.

  • Student & First-Time Voter Toolkit

    Toolkit contains sample social media posts, e-newsletter article, and press release related to students and first-time voters. 

  • Voting Protections Toolkit

    Toolkit contains sample social media posts, e-newsletter article, and press release related to voting protections. 

Experienced Discrimination During the Voting Process?

Voters can contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights if they believe they have been discriminated against during the voting process. To file a complaint, call 800-482-3604 or visit the Public Portal.  

Election Protection Hotlines can provide assistance in multiple languages: 

  • English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
  • Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) 
  • Arabic: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287) 
  • Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, Urdu, and Vietnamese: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) 

Voters with disabilities can contact the Ombudsperson for Accessible Elections at 517-335-2730 or MDOS-ADAVoting@michigan.gov.

Michigan's Official Voting Resource

For the most reliable and current information on voter registration, dates and deadlines, polling places, and voting information, use the official state resource linked below.

Michigan.gov/Vote
White diecut of Michigan wrapped in multicolored swirls stating "Voting is a Civil Right" on a dark blue background and the MDCR logo at the bottom left.

About the Voting Rights Initiative 

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights’ mission is to eliminate unlawful discrimination through enforcement, education, engagement, and equity. This means we enforce civil rights laws related to voting and other public services, including the Elliott‑Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) and the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA).  

The election process is administered by government agencies, and is therefore considered a public service, making it subject to these anti-discrimination laws. We are conducting this nonpartisan education initiative to promote voluntary compliance with Michigan’s civil rights laws that protect the right to vote without unlawful discrimination.  

To accomplish this, we are providing factual information about voting civil rights in multiple languages and in accessible formats. We do not support or oppose any candidate, party, or ballot measure, and we do not urge anyone to vote or to abstain. Decisions about whether and how to participate belong to each individual. Learn more about your options at Michigan.gov/Vote.