LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Absentee ballots are being mailed starting Thursday, which officially starts presidential election season in Michigan.

In order to get an absentee ballot, Michiganders must be a registered voter and submit an application online or in person with the local clerk’s office. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 21.

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If you decide to vote absentee, your ballot must be received by the clerk’s office by 8 p.m. Election Day in order to be counted, with an exception for overseas and military ballots.

The presidential election is Nov. 5.