Absent voter ballots are available for all elections. You may vote with an absent voter ballot if:
- You are unable to vote without assistance
- You are 60 years of age or older
- You expect to be absent from your city or township on election day
- You are in jail, awaiting arraignment or trial
- You have been assigned to work as a precinct worker in a precinct other than where you are registered
- You are unable to attend the polls because of religious beliefs
If any of these situations exist, you can obtain an absent voter ballot by writing to the Clerk. You must state the reason why you need an absent voter ballot, and you must sign the request.
A pre-printed absent voter ballot application form is available above or from the City Clerk upon request.
Request a Ballot
A separate absent voter ballot request must be submitted for each election. Download an Absentee Voter Ballot Request Form, fill it out and mail it to the City Clerk at:
Royal Oak City Clerk
211 South Williams Street
Royal Oak, MI 48067
If you want the ballot mailed, your application must be received by 2 p.m. the Saturday before the election. Make your request early to allow for delivery time.
Voters Outside of the US
If you are temporarily outside the US, you can use a Federal Postcard Application to apply for an absent voter ballot. The FPCA must be signed under oath unless you, your spouse or your parents are serving in the armed forces or Merchant Marines.
Casting Your Absentee Ballot
A voter eligible to vote by absent voter ballot may mail their completed ballot. You may also vote in person at the Clerk’s Office anytime up to 4 p.m. the day before the election. All absent voter ballots must be received by the Clerk’s Office not later than 8 p.m. on election day.
Voter Information Center
To track the status of your absentee voter ballot, visit the State of Michigan Voter Information Center.