DETROIT _ Even absentee voters can have buyer's remorse. But what can they do about it?
Recast the ballot, according to the Secretary of State. Michigan is one of the few states where absentee voters can change their minds. And it's relatively easy to cast a new ballot if the twists and turns of the election cycle have caused a change of heart on a candidate or ballot issue.
According to local clerks, it's more likely that a voter will mess up their ballot inadvertently or forget to fill out the back of the ballot, but a few people are coming in with a desire to change their vote.
Absentee voters just have to go to their local clerk's office _ by 4 p.m. Monday _ and ask to recast their absentee ballot. The Warren City Clerk's Office said absentee ballots are filed by precinct, so the first ballot cast is easy to find. That ballot is "spoiled," put into a special container and not counted. The voter then gets a new ballot to fill out.
Voters have until 2 p.m. Saturday to get an absentee ballot request to their local clerk if they want the ballot mailed to them. You can still get an absentee ballot on Monday, but voters will have to fill out the ballot and leave it at the clerk's office. Anyone who still has an absentee ballot and doesn't plan to vote at their local precinct on Election Day must return it to their local clerk by 8 p.m. Tuesday.
