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Michigan elections in 2026

This page lists Michigan statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Michigan​

Start with the official Michigan voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Michigan voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted. Same-day registration may also be available where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • July 20, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline - By Mail & Online: Deadline to register by mail or online and be eligible to vote in the August Election.
  • July 21, 2026 — Voter Registration In Person Begins: Registration must be done in person with local clerk with proof of residency between this date and Election Day

Online​

Online registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day. To vote online, you need to have a valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

If you’re registering by mail, your voter registration application must be postmarked at least 15 days before the election

Deadlines

In Person​

Voters may register in person at designated election offices or voter registration agencies.

Special registration options​

Same Day Registration: Available

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during Early voting period through Election Day. M. C. L. A. §168. 497. You can register at any time up to 8 p. m. on Election Day at your city or township clerk’s office.

Military Overseas: Available

Go to the Federal Voting Assistance Program, download and complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. Check your voter registration status online by visiting this site

Absentee and early voting in Michigan​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • July 20, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline - By Mail & Online: Deadline to register by mail or online and be eligible to vote in the August Election.
  • July 25, 2026 — Mandatory Early Voting Begins: First day of mandatory early voting.
  • August 1, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline - UOCAVA: Deadline for military or overseas voter to submit an absent voter ballot application.
  • August 2, 2026 — Mandatory Early Voting Ends: Last day of mandatory early voting period. (Early voting optionally may be held on the Monday before Election Day until 4 p. m. )
  • August 4, 2026 — Deadline for emergency absentee voting.: Deadline for emergency absentee voting. (Begins Friday at 5 p. m. )

Voter ID requirements in Michigan​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Michigan voter ID requirements.

Michigan election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — August 4, 2026​

Election Day: Election Day registrants may obtain and vote an absent voter ballot in person in clerk’s office or vote in person in the proper precinct.

Important dates​

  • July 20, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline - By Mail & Online: Deadline to register by mail or online and be eligible to vote in the August Election.
  • July 21, 2026 — Voter Registration In Person Begins: Registration must be done in person with local clerk with proof of residency between this date and Election Day
  • July 25, 2026 — Mandatory Early Voting Begins: First day of mandatory early voting.
  • July 31, 2026 — Write-in Candidates Ballot Access Deadline: Deadline for write-in candidates who seek precinct delegate positions to file Declaration of Intent with the county clerk for the August Primary. (As an alternative, candidates for precinct delegate may file form with appropriate precinct board on Election Day before the close of the polls. )
  • August 1, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline - UOCAVA: Deadline for military or overseas voter to submit an absent voter ballot application.
  • August 2, 2026 — Mandatory Early Voting Ends: Last day of mandatory early voting period. (Early voting optionally may be held on the Monday before Election Day until 4 p. m. )
  • August 3, 2026 — Deadline to Bpply for AV Ballot: Deadline for a registered voter to apply for an AV ballot in person at the clerk's office.
  • August 4, 2026 — Deadline for emergency absentee voting.: Deadline for emergency absentee voting. (Begins Friday at 5 p. m. )

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: If you’re registering by mail, your voter registration application must be postmarked at least 15 days before the election.
  • October 19, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: Online registration deadline is 15 days before Election Day. To vote online, you need to have a valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID.
  • October 20, 2026 — Voter Registration in person Begins: Registration must be done in person with local clerk with proof of residency between this date and Election Day.
  • October 23, 2026 — Write-In Candidates Ballot Access Deadline: Write-in candidates' Declaration of Intent for the November General Election due to respective filing official.
  • October 24, 2026 — First day of mandatory early voting.: The early voting period takes place for a minimum of nine consecutive days, ending on the Sunday before an election. Communities may decide to provide additional days of early voting, up to 29 days total.
  • October 31, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline - UOCAVA: Deadline for military or overseas voter to submit an absent voter ballot application.
  • November 1, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends the sunday before election day. **Note: ** The original date is November 1, which is a Sunday. Please double check with your local election office if they have moved this date to Monday - November 2
  • November 2, 2026 — In Person AV Ballot Application Deadline: Deadline for a registered voter to apply for an AV ballot in person at the clerk's office.
  • November 3, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration: Election Day registrants may obtain and vote an absent voter ballot in person in clerk’s office or vote in person in the proper precinct.
  • November 3, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during Early voting period through Election Day. M. C. L. A. §168. 497. You can register at any time up to 8 p. m. on Election Day at your city or township clerk’s office.

Official Michigan election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.