Want to vote for clean energy? Here's how

Michigan is already seeing the impact of climate change. From severe and extreme rain to heat waves, the need for comprehensive action to combat climate change has never been more urgent.

Right now, legislative inaction in Lansing is holding our state back. We need to elect leaders who will take unified action to tackle climate change and support clean energy.

The renewable industry is bringing power to rural landowners and boosting local tax bases. That's good for taxpayers, our economy, and our environment.

We must elect candidates that will replace dirty, uneconomic coal plants with clean and economically fruitful renewable energy facilities. 

This election, make sure you vote for the climate and for clean energy. 

Here’s how:

First, check your voter registration. 

If you know you are registered to vote, it’s still important to check your voter registration to make sure you are registered at the address you currently live at. You can check your voter registration online at the Secretary of State website. 

If you need to update your registration or you need to register to vote for the first time, you can register online at the Secretary of State website. The deadline to register to vote online is Oct. 19!

If you do not have a driver’s license or state ID or you register after Oct. 20, you will need to register to vote in person at your local clerk’s office. You can also cast your ballot in the same visit. Find your local clerk’s office here. 

Now, look up your sample ballot. 

After you verify your voter registration, look up your sample ballot at the Michigan Secretary of State website. 

Once you know which candidates are on your ballot, it’s time to do some research to see if they support combating climate change and clean energy in Michigan. Look for candidates that

• Prioritize clean energy and combating climate change
• Are endorsed by organizations that support clean energy and combating climate change
• Support legislation to combat climate change and promote clean energy. Check out our energy priorities to see which policies decision-makers should follow.

We recommend using Vote411.org’s personalized ballot guide here. This nonpartisan resource was created by the League of Women Voters and provides information about the candidates and proposals you will find on your ballot. The Michigan Chapter of the LWV is a Michigan Environmental Council member.

Then, choose how you want to cast your vote this election. You have options! 

1. Vote early in person. 
   1. You can vote early in person at your local clerk’s office from now until November 2. Find your local clerk’s office here. 
2. Vote at home by absentee ballot.
   1. First, request your absentee ballot. You must submit an application to request your absentee ballot. You can request your absentee ballot online at the Michigan Secretary of State website. The deadline to return your absentee ballot application is October 30. 
   2. Then, fill out and complete your absentee ballot. Your clerk must receive your absentee ballot by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. You can mail your absentee ballot back to your local clerk’s office, but we recommended you return your absentee ballot in person to your local clerk or drop it off in a secure drop box. Mail centers could be getting massive inflow, and we want your vote counted.
3. Vote on Election Day. 
   1. If you are registered to vote at your current address, you must vote at your polling place on Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your polling place here. 
   2. If you are not registered to vote, you can register and cast your ballot in the same visit at your local clerk’s office on Election Day before 8 p.m. Find your local clerk’s office here. 

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