Is Who You Voted For Public Information in Michigan?

Election season is obviously here in Michigan, and as a swing state we have been bombarded by political ads in all forms.

But some of the weirdest and most alarming ones I've seen recently include a weirdly vague threat that your public voting record is public, and that if you don't vote- everyone will know. And while I believe that voting is one of your most important duties as a citizen, there's nothing I hate more than feelings like I'm being bullied into doing something.

⬇️ Find Your Polling Location in Grand Rapids [With Photos] ⬇️

So, is there any weight to those weirdly vaguely threatening political ads you're seeing on your TV, or is it just a weird scare tactic to try to get you to the polls in a very polarized election season?

Can People Find Out Who You Voted For in Michigan?

Each state has their own laws when it comes to how much of your voter information is available as a part of public record. Here in Michigan, some of that information is public, but not as much as they would lead you to believe.

In Michigan, there is a public "voter index" that you can plug your information in to see your voting history. Granted, people will have to know a little bit about you to be able to use it (your birthday and zip code, for example.)

It will show what elections you previously voted in, and where your voting locations are. However, unlike the ads on TV insinuate, it will not tell people WHO you voted for. That information is still private and protected, as it should be.

So, while it's pretty unlikely everyone in your life is going to shame you because they're going to somehow magically know if you voted or not, it's still important to let your voice be heard in this year's election.

Not sure where your polling location is? Here's a list (with photos) of every polling place in Grand Rapids...