Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a formal opinion on the extension of the deadline for absent voter ballots from military personnel and overseas voters. The request for clarification came from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, focusing on whether the deadline could be extended if it coincides with a federal holiday.

This year, the general election is scheduled for November 5, with the sixth day after falling on Veterans Day, November 11. In her opinion, Attorney General Nessel confirmed that Michigan's Constitution allows for an extension of this deadline to the next secular day when it falls on a holiday.

"The Michigan Constitution grants military and overseas voters a six-day grace period to ensure their absent voter ballots are received and counted so that their voices are heard," Nessel stated. "To prevent potential holiday-related disruptions, State law permits extending this deadline, allowing these voters to fully participate in the democratic process."

The full opinion is available online.