Voter and Election Information

When do we vote?

Where do I vote? (In Person)

How do I vote by mail? (Absentee)

What is on
the ballot?

How do I
register to vote?

Can I work at
the election?

Where can I find election resources?

WHEN DO WE VOTE?

The next scheduled election is the General Election on November 3, 2026 . If there are changes to the schedule, we will post them here.

On election day, polls are open from 7am - 8pm.

Early voting will take place for a 9 day period before each election. It begins on the second Saturday prior to election day and goes through the Sunday before election day. Check Mi.gov/Vote for dates, times, and location details.

Absentee voting begins 40 days before the election. Details about absentee voting can be seen below.

Click here for an info sheet on the differences between early voting and absentee voting.

WHERE DO I VOTE?

For EARLY VOTING, those who are registered in Highland can vote at the Highland Township Office at 205 N. John Street in Highland or at the Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Rd in Waterford. Check dates and times at Mi.gov/Vote

For ELECTION DAY voting, all Highland voters will be voting at Milford Highschool (Pool Entrance), 2380 S. Milford Rd.

Click here for more information about the recent changes to polling locations

You can look up your precinct number and location at Mi.gov/vote or check your green and white Voter Information Card.

There will be assistance at the precinct to help you find your precinct number if you don't know it.

For a map of the precincts, polling locations, and drop boxes, click here: Highland Township Voting Locations

On election day, polls are open from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM.

HOW DO I VOTE BY MAIL (ABSENTEE)?

All registered voters are eligible to vote by absentee ballot. Here are some tips to help with the process:

· Start early. Keep in mind the amount of time needed for applications and ballots to pass through the mail system and allow for possible delays to ensure your ballot will be received in time to be counted.

· There are two secured video-monitored drop boxes in Highland for dropping off applications or ballots available 24/7. One is in front of the Township hall at 205 N. John Street. Another is located at the new Fire Station #2 at 2550 E. Wardlow Road.

· Track your ballot at Mi.gov/vote to see when it was sent out to you or when it was checked in by the Clerk's office after you mailed or returned it.

· Voters can now select the box on an absentee application to opt in for permanent absentee ballot status, which means that ballots will automatically be mailed to you for every election without requiring additional applications to be submitted.

· It is extremely important for voters who have opted in for permanent absentee ballot status to contact the Clerk's office with any permanent or temporary address changes. The post office will not forward ballots. Those who regularly spend seasons away from home will need to be very conscious of upcoming elections and complete this process.

· If you need your ballot to be mailed somewhere other than your home address, be sure to indicate that information on your application.

· Active-duty members of the Uniformed Services, their eligible family members, and U.S. citizens residing outside the United States have a special process for voting. All the relevant information can be found at FVAP.gov

Here is the absentee voting process:

1) Confirm that your voter registration is up to date with your current address at Mi.gov/vote

2) Obtain and complete an absentee application (if you haven't previously opted in for permanent absentee ballot status). Here are the options for getting an application:

Apply on line at Mi.gov/vote
Download an application here. You must print it out and sign it. Electronic signatures on paper applications are not accepted.
Visit the Clerk's office at 205 N. John Street, Highland to complete an application in person
Contact the Clerk’s office to ask for an application to be mailed to you: 248-887-3791 x 5 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

3) Submit your absentee application to the Clerk’s office (applying via the Mi.gov/vote website completes this step automatically). Here are the options:

Deposit your application in one of the 24/7 accessible drop boxes. Locations:
* Township Offices - 205 N. John St
* Fire Station 2 - 2550 E. Wardlow Rd
Take a photo or scan of the signed application and email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Return it in-person to the Clerk's office during regular business hours
Return it by mail (recommended: 1 month prior to election)

4) After you receive your ballot, complete and return it to the Clerk’s office. The outside of the envelope must be signed by the voter. Returning your ballot early helps our staff to prepare for election day efficiently. Any ballot received after 8:00 PM on election day can not be counted. There are 4 options to choose from for returning your ballot:

Tabulate your ballot yourself at either the early voting site (during the 9 day early voting period) or at the precinct (on election day)
Deposit your ballot in one of the 24/7 accessible drop boxes. Locations:
* Township Offices - 205 N. John St
* Fire Station 2 - 2550 E. Wardlow Rd
Return it in-person to the Clerk's office during regular business hours or early voting hours
Return it by mail (recommended: 2 weeks prior to election) - no postage required.

Click here for the Clerk's office hours and contact info.

WHAT IS ON THE BALLOT?

Mi.gov/vote will have ballot previews to view and/or print about a month before the election. The Clerk's office will have sample ballots to hand out about a month before the election. Click here for Clerk's office location and hours. Tip: Voters can pre-mark a sample ballot to use as a reference at the precinct or early voting center.

Click here for the 2026 November Sample Ballot

For tips on how to fill in a ballot, visit this site: Michiganvoting.org

HOW DO I REGISTER TO VOTE?

To vote in Highland, you must be:

a US citizen
18 years old (Pre-registration available for those who are 16 years old)
a resident of the Township at least 30 days prior to the election
not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison

Eligible voters can register online or by mail up to 14 days prior to the election. In the last 14 days before the election (and including election day), registration requires a visit to the Clerk's office to provide proof of residency. The following documents meet the requirement:

Michigan driver’s license or State ID card
Current utility bill
Bank statement
Paycheck or government check
Other government document

Military and overseas civilian voters have additional options to register. For more information, visit FVAP.gov

If you have a valid Michigan Driver's License or State ID, you may be able to register or update your address by clicking here. If you don’t have one, find out how to register to vote by going to Registering To Vote.

The registration form can also be downloaded by clicking here.

Click here for the Clerk's office hours and contact info.

ELECTION WORKERS MAY BE NEEDED (to be determined)

Get paid to help us run the elections. Open to registered voters or students at least 16 years of age. Paid training is provided. The application to work with Highland Township on Election Day (along with the other employment forms) click here. Contact the Clerk's office with questions.

For the Early Voting site application (Oakland County), click here. Contact the Oakland County Clerk's office with questions.

Follow these links for additional info:

What to expect - working in a precinct

What to expect - working in the absentee counting board

OTHER RESOURCES

Contact Our Office:

Phone: 248-887-3791 x 5

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Address: 205 N. John St, Highland, MI 48357

Office Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Additionally, the office will be open during the complete early voting schedule including both weekends and the evening on Thursday.

Drop Box Locations:

· Front of Highland Township offices - 205 N. John Street

· Township offices - inside entrance foyer

· Drive up box - 2550 E. Wardlow Road (fire station)

Early Voting Close of Polls Tabulation will take place at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day at the Highland Township Auditorium, 205 N. John Street, in Highland

LINKS TO EXTERNAL RESOURCES

Click here for a summary of Michigan election security requirements.

Click here for the Voter's Guides on the League of Women Voters Website

Click here to see who your elected representatives are

Click here for info on Poll Watchers and Election Challengers

Click here for info sheet about Straight or Split Ticket Voting

Click here for a video that explains how to vote a General Election ballot.

Click here for the Michigan Election Fact Checking Page

Click here for information about Election Tabulation Equipment

Click here for information about Michigan Election Security

Election Sign Info

Election Data Request Form

HOW CAN I CANCEL MY VOTER REGISTRATION?

Registration can be cancelled by providing a signed, written request to the Clerk's office. For convenience, click here for a cancellation form.

WHERE CAN I SEE ELECTION RESULTS?

For offices or proposals that are wholly contained within Oakland County, check the Oakland County Elections page (scroll down to select the correct election). August 2026 results here: https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/MI/OaklandMI/127075/web.345435/#/summary

For statewide and federal elections, check the Michigan elections results site. Under Election Type Options, choose "County Results", then choose the election date.

For the Highland Election Day Turnout Updates throughout the day, visit this google sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ut_kBr7-IANYHIzWeHIQjjA1c39B4Dlqd_lxKVt25CI/edit?usp=sharing

OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are my voting options in Michigan?

Voters have three options: 1) Vote in person at the precinct on election day or 2) Vote early in person at the early voting center or 3) Vote by absentee ballot.

1) If you choose to vote at the precinct on election day, the polls are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm and voters are asked to bring picture ID, but if none is available, affidavit of identity can be completed.
At www.mi.gov/vote you can learn where your voting precinct is, make sure you’re registered, update your address, and see what’s on the ballot. Printing out the ballot preview is a great way to prepare and can be brought into the voting booth with you. We recommend avoiding the busy times if possible -- right when the polls open and evening hours are typically the busiest.

2) Highland voters can vote during the 9 day early voting period at the Highland Township Offices or at the Waterford Oaks Activity Center. Check Mi.gov/vote for dates, times, and addresses.

3) Absentee: You can request and complete a ballot early. Absentee voting provides the ability to vote in a convenient way, but voters need to begin the process early because multiple steps are involved. Before we can issue a ballot, an application needs to be submitted to the Clerks office. Applications are available at the Township (both inside and outside the office), or at Mi.gov/vote. Applications and ballots will not be forwarded by the USPS, but you can indicate an alternative mailing address on your application for receiving your ballot.

Questions? Contact the clerks at 248-887-3791 x 5 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

When do the Absentee Ballots get mailed out?

The Clerk's office will begin mailing absentee ballots about 40 days before the election. If you have submitted an application (either a one time or permanent application), watch for the ballot to arrive about a month before the election or a week after you submitted your application. If you haven't received it by two weeks prior to the election, please contact or come into the office for assistance. Voters can check www.mi.gov/vote to see the date that your ballot is mailed.

After you send the ballot back, you can confirm the date it's recorded as having been received at our office. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND RETURNING THE BALLOT PERSONALLY TO A HIGHLAND DROP BOX. Ballots must be received at the Township by 8pm on Election Day in order to be counted.
Questions? Contact the clerks at 248-887-3791 x 5 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What if I make a mistake on my ballot?

Please read the instructions closely. DO NOT USE WHITE OUT, CORRECTION TAPE, OR A MARKER ON A BALLOT. If you make a mistake on an absentee ballot, bring your ballot to the clerks office to request a replacement ballot. If you make a mistake on an in-person ballot, bring it to the check in desk at the site to request a replacement.
Questions? Contact the clerks at 248-887-3791 x 5 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Can I vote in person after requesting an Absentee Ballot?

Those who have received an absentee ballot have the option to bring their absentee ballot to the early voting site or election day precincts to vote in person. Those who arrive to vote in person without bringing their absentee ballot, will be asked to sign an affidavit before being issued a replacement ballot. Questions? Contact the clerks at 248-887-3791 x 5 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How can I be sure my Absentee Ballot is counted?

1) Get your voting information from a reliable source (Clerks office or Michigan Secretary of State).
2) Confirm that your voter registration is up to date.
3) Start the absentee process as early as possible.
4) Send a ballot application to the Clerk in the community you are registered in (if you haven't already submitted a permanent application).
5) If your ballot doesn't arrive in a timely manner, contact the Clerk to resolve the issue.
6) Read and follow all instructions at each step of the process.
7) Return your ballot in person if possible via one of the Township drop boxes (unless you prefer to bring it to the early voting site or election day precinct for tabulation).
8) Return your ballot as early as possible.
9) Sign the ballot envelope (*read below for more info).
10) Verify that the Clerks have received your ballot at Mi.gov/vote
11) Contact the Clerk's office if you have any questions.

At Mi.gov/vote you can find information on voter registration, absentee applications, clerk contact details, drop box details, and ballot tracking.
When you get to the site, first click on "Your Voter Information" and complete the form. The ballot tracking info is posted about a day after the Clerks record it as received. The system sometimes updates slowly due to high traffic volumes.

*The signature will be checked to see if it looks like the one we have on file. This is normally the signature as it appears on your driver's license or state ID. Middle names or initials are not required. If a ballot is returned without a signature or if the signature does not match, we will attempt to contact the voter to resolve the issue. This takes time, so it's best if ballots are returned early. It's helpful if voters provide their phone number and/or email address on the absentee application for this purpose.

On election day, the absentee counting board is required to tabulate the number of ballots that are recorded as having been received.

Voters are invited to review the security and accuracy checks that are followed by the election administration officials which help us to feel confident in the election results: https://bit.ly/MichElectionSecurity

Highland Township voters with questions can contact us at 248-887-3791 x 5 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Can someone else return my ballot for me?

The Michigan Election Manual states:
The persons who may return an absentee ballot are limited to:
1) the voter
2) a member of the voter’s immediate family who has been asked to return the ballot
3) a person residing in the voter’s household who has been asked to return the ballot
4) a person whose job normally includes the handling of mail (but only during the course of his or her employment)

Questions or concerns? Call 248-887-3791 x 5 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How do I sign up to automatically be sent an Absentee Ballot

The option to sign up for automatic ballots is on the Absentee Application or at Mi.gov/Vote. Those who opt in will automatically be mailed an absentee ballot in advance of each future election. Voters should be aware that choosing this option requires a high level of responsibility regarding updating their address in event of changing residency or spending time away from home during future election cycles (ie: students and snowbirds).

Questions or concerns? Call 248-887-3791 x 5 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

When should I return my Absentee Ballot?

You can return it immediately. If it is a primary election you may want to wait to make sure your candidate remains in the race prior to voting and returning your ballot.
We recommend voters return their ballot to one of the Highland drop boxes. If you need to return it by mail, a minimum of 2 weeks time should be allowed for delivery. Bottom line is: return it as early as possible. Voters can confirm that their ballot has been received by the clerks at www.mi.gov/vote
Questions? Contact the clerks at 248-887-3791 x 5 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What are Election Challengers and Poll Watchers?

Each election is an open and transparent process that may be observed by any interested person. Election Challengers may be appointed by political parties and qualified interest groups to observe the election process. A Challenger cannot challenge a voter's right to vote unless the Challenger has "good reason to believe" that the voter is not eligible to vote in the precinct.
A person who wishes to observe but is not a qualified election Challenger is commonly called a Poll Watcher and is at the precinct to observe the process. The Resources section of this page has a link to a packet of information about Poll Watchers and Challenger Rights and Responsibilities.

How do I get involved in the Election Process?

Elections are run by our residents. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to participate in the process. An application is online or available at the clerk's office for Election Inspectors. Inspectors will need to complete a class and will then be scheduled to work at a election. Information about signing up to work the election can be found in the Election Workers Needed section of this site.

What is it meant by a "Straight Party Ticket", "Split Ticket", "Mixed Ticket"?

These terms apply only to the partisan part of your ballot in a General Election (not a Primary):
Voters may quickly vote a Straight Ticket for all candidates of one political party. Vote for all by marking your ballot for one party.

OR you can Split your Ticket by overriding their Straight Ticket choice for any office. Each candidate under the party selected will receive a vote except where superseded by a direct vote for a candidate. NOTE: if you vote for candidates of more than one political party in a primary election, none of your partisan selections will be counted.

OR you can vote a Mixed Ticket by selecting each office individually and not selecting a party.
If you vote a "straight ticket," only the partisan offices are included. The following offices (at the state level) are not included: Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Although Supreme Court candidates are usually nominated by political parties, their names appear on the "nonpartisan" portion of the ballot.

For more in-depth info about straight ticket voting, click here:
http://highlandtwp.net/images//OptionsforStraightTicket.pdf

Here's a video that explains your options for filling in your ballot: https://youtu.be/n483tnkddoE?si=dDwpN0PPDAvuT2TO

Questions or Concerns? Contact the Clerks 248-887-3791 x 5 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Why do I have to choose a party for the Presidental Primary?

The Presidential Primary ballot application prompts voters to indicate their preference for the party's ballot they wish to receive specifically for this election. It's important to note that Michigan does not maintain party registration for voters. In the Presidential Primary, each ballot exclusively lists candidates from a single party, making this selection mandatory for all voting methods—be it absentee, early, or on election day. While this practice mirrors previous Presidential Primaries, the periodic nature of this process often leads to questions. It's important to clarify that this party selection is unique to this year’s election and doesn't influence future preferences. Voters are at liberty to choose either party, irrespective of their past affiliations.

Questions? Contact the clerks at 248-887-3791 x 5 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How do I avoid misinformation about Elections?

Elections have gotten more confusing for voters than ever before because of the mixed messages going out in various media sources. Get your voting information from a quality source. Many posts on social media are misleading or incorrect. Be aware that each state sets its own voting processes according to laws that have been approved by the State legislature or approved by voters as ballot proposals. If you’re watching a national news broadcast, do not assume that what you hear applies to Michigan voters.
Questions? Contact the clerks at 248-887-3791 x 5 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How Can I Be Sure My In-Person Ballot is Counted?

When you place your ballot into the tabulator (the machine that counts the votes), after a few seconds of scanning, the screen will show a flag that means your ballot did not have any errors to prevent any of your votes from counting. If an error had been found, you would have seen an error message to explain what the issue was. When there are no errors, the votes on the ballot are counted, and a voter can see that the ballot counter on the bottom of the screen has increased by 1.

One cause of error messages is if there are marks in more boxes for a particular race than were permitted. In primary elections, voters may have accidentally voted for candidates in more than one party which would would result in an error.

Once your ballot has been tabulated, there is no way to identify your ballot because the ballot stub has been removed. The tabulators do not provide a receipt to tell you what votes were recorded for your ballot. The tabulators have been tested to assure that they count the ballots accurately. They have been highly secured with proof of chain of custody between the day of testing and when the votes are tallied to prevent any tampering.

Voters are invited to review the extensive list of requirements for security and accuracy that are followed by election administration officials which shows that we can be confident in the election result. Find the link to this information in the Resources section of this page.