July 24, 2020
We want to make sure that everyone is safe and has the best voting experience possible for the August 4 Primary Election. Below is information to answer questions you might have.
Who can vote absentee?
Everyone! The Secretary of State sent ALL Michigan voters an application for an absentee ballot, while the Ferndale Clerk sent applications to voters on our permanent AV list.
What is the permanent AV list?
The permanent AV list allows a voter to automatically receive an application by mail for every election. The application must be signed and returned to the City Clerk to issue a ballot.
Is absentee voting safe?
Not only is your vote safe and secure, but it also protects your health.
Are all ballots counted?
All ballots received by 8 P.M. on Election Day with a verified signature are counted.
I made a mistake on my ballot. What do I do?
Voters can spoil their ballot and receive a replacement. A written request to the City Clerk is required and can be emailed to elections@ferndalemi.gov
When does my ballot need to be turned in?
All ballots need to arrive to the Clerk by 8 P.M. on Election Day. If you plan on mailing your ballot in, please do so as soon as possible to assure it is received on time.
What if I forget to sign my ballot?
The Clerk’s staff makes every effort to contact a voter who returns their ballot without a signature. By providing a phone number and email address, the voter can make this process easier. This information is used exclusively for voter contact by the Clerk and is not given to any other agency or department.
Drop Boxes - The City has installed 2 secure drop boxes (1 at City Hall, 1 at Kulick Community Center).
Paid Postage - Return postage has been paid on AV ballots in an effort to make sure everyone is able to return their ballot.
Drive-Through Voting - Extra voting hours with drive-through voting on weekday nights and weekends is now available to accommodate voters who may not be able to vote during regular hours. City staff will safely meet you at your car and assist you during the following times:
Tuesday, July 21 from 5 P.M. - 8 P.M.
Wednesday, July 22 from 5 P.M. - 8 P.M.
Saturday, July 25 from 10 A.M. – 2 P.M.
Sunday, July 26 from 10 A.M. – 2 P.M.
Tuesday, July 28 from 5 P.M. – 8 P.M.
Wednesday, July 29 from 5 P.M.- 8 P.M.
Extended Hours - We are offering extended in-office voting hours on the following days:
Friday, July 31 from 10 A.M. - 2 P.M.
Saturday, August 1 from 10 A.M. - 2 P.M.
Sunday, August 2 from 10 A.M. - 2 P.M.
Accessible Electronic AV Ballot - Disabled voters may apply for an accessible electronic AV ballot to empower them to vote from home by printing their ballot and mailing it to the clerk.
Where will in-person voting be available?
Election Day in-person voting will be available in every Michigan jurisdiction—all 9 Ferndale precincts (more information on locations here) will be open with social distancing and mask requirements in place. Due to reduced precinct staffing, lines may be shorter, but wait times are likely to be longer.
Please be aware that things are subject to change with short notice due to COVID-19 and protocols mandated by the Governor and Secretary of State. The number of precincts operating could be reduced with short notice. Please follow the City of Ferndale on Facebook or Twitter to make sure you have the most up-to-date information on Election Day.
Do I need to bring a photo ID?
Voters are required to show photo ID if they have it. Acceptable forms of photo ID are current or expired Michigan driver's license or photo ID, or current ID such as a driver's license from another state, passport, tribal ID, school ID, military ID, or any federal or state government-issued ID.
Are those in jail or prison able to vote?
Incarcerated persons are ineligible to vote while serving a sentence in jail or prison. Those awaiting trial or sentencing can vote. Once a resident has been released from jail or prison, their voting rights are immediately restored.
When is the last day to register to vote in this election?
New voters or voters who need to update their address can register on Election Day at City Hall with proof of residency and vote AV at that time. Anyone who registers to vote within the 14 days prior to the election will need to come to City Hall on or before Election Day to provide proof of residency.
What happens to ballots after the election?
Michigan retains all paper ballots, which is the most secure way to conduct elections.
Contact The Clerk’s Office
Email: elections@ferndalemi.gov
Phone: 248-546-2525 option 5
City of Ferndale, Michigan
300 East Nine Mile Road
Ferndale, Michigan 48220
