In Michigan there are 6 reasons for getting an absentee ballot; I would go with the "I expect to be absent from the community in which I am registered" reason

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Ab...t_105377_7.pdf

It also says "Requests to have an absentee voter ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 2 p.m. the Saturday before the election."

There are provisions for an emergency absentee ballot:
If an emergency, such as a sudden illness or family death prevents you from reaching the polls on election day, you may request an emergency absentee voter ballot. Requests for an emergency ballot must be submitted after the deadline for regular absentee voter ballots has passed but before 4 p.m. on election day. The emergency must have occurred at a time which made it impossible for you to apply for a regular absentee voter ballot. Your local clerk will have more information about emergency absentee voter ballots.

I would just get an absentee one