“(The satellite office) is a way for students to have the convenience of not having to leave campus,” East Lansing City Clerk Jennifer Shuster said. “If they are on campus for class, or if that is where they reside, we try to make it convenient for students to be able to come in and just talk to us about voter and election education, as well."

The office serves as a place for students to ask questions, review registration options, and voting options, Shuster said.

Shuster said college students have the right to choose whether or not they want to register to vote at their college or permanent home address.

Voters who are not yet registered to vote can register, check or update their voter registration status and apply for an absentee ballot online, through Oct. 18, Shuster said. After this date, voters must register in person by showing proof of residency at either the satellite or main office locations. 

“You can register right through election day, but at that point you have to go in physically,” Shuster said. “So we wanted to make sure that there was two locations for students to have an option so that the City Hall office wasn’t overwhelmed … and voters wouldn’t be inconvenienced with waiting in a long line to get registered and to vote.”

Shuster encourages voters to not wait until Election Day to make a voting plan.

“We do want to make that satellite office available so they can start making a plan now in getting ready for election day,” Shuster said.

Voters also have the option to register to vote, vote early and turn in ballots at the East Lansing City Clerk’s main office at East Lansing City Hall, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The following extended hours and Election Day hours will be offered at the satellite and main offices:

• Tuesday, Oct. 26 from 5-8 p.m.

• Wednesday, Oct. 27 from 5-8 p.m.

• Sunday, Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Tuesday, Nov. 2, Election Day, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., (while polls are open)

If voters return absentee ballots by mail, they are encouraged to allow at least two weeks for delivery. Otherwise, ballots can be returned in person at either the City Clerk’s satellite or main office. 

East Lansing voters can drop off absentee ballots at one of these four ballot drop box locations in East Lansing:

• East Lansing City Hall at 410 Abbot Road, (north parking lot)

• East Lansing Public Library at 950 Abbot Road

• East Lansing Department of Public Works at 1800 E. State Road

• MSU-CATA Transportation Center at 592 N. Shaw Lane

The drop boxes are secure and checked daily by the City Clerk’s office staff.