Can a Felon Vote in Michigan? (Updated)

The state of Michigan is the tenth most populated US state, serving as the home of 9.9 million people. It is a northern state bordered by the four Great Lakes.

The state of Michigan currently has 60,200 inmates. This represents approximately 790 in every 100,000 people in the state. About 93.3% of the current inmates are male, while 6.7% are female.

Voting is a civil right guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States given to all Americans regardless of their status. This is why the right to vote should not be withheld from people even if they are incarcerated.

Can Felons Vote in Michigan?

In the state of Michigan, when a person is incarcerated, they automatically lose their right to vote. They are prohibited from taking part until they are released.

Once a prisoner is released from prison, he is then allowed again to exercise his right to vote. However, he must register himself first.

This rule is applied in 13 other US states, with some slight differences. On the other hand, other states require prisoners to complete their period of parole and probation first. In some other states, the right is removed altogether.

Therefore, newly freed prisoners must register themselves in order to reinstate their right to vote.

How Felons Can Restore Voting Rights in Michigan

Just like any other person, an ex-prisoner must register 30 days before the next election.

A voter can register in two ways. Registration is done either by mail or in person.
In both cases, a form must be submitted to the city clerk. This form is called the Form ED-121, otherwise known as the State of Michigan Voter Registration Application.
The city clerk will then process the application. Once done, the office of the city clerk will then issue the person a voter ID, which the voter will need to present on the day of the election.