Election Day in Michigan and across the country is Tuesday, November 3, 2026, but if you’re planning to vote in the election, which includes high-profile races for Michigan’s United States Senate, the governor, and state representatives, there are a lot of other important dates to keep in mind.
Here’s your calendar of key dates in Michigan’s 2026 midterm elections:
Scroll down for special circumstances for Military and overseas voters.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 24: Absentee ballots become available to voters. Voters can request an absentee ballot by completing an absentee ballot application.
MONDAY, OCT. 19: This is the last day to register by mail or online. Starting Oct. 20, you’ll need to register in person at your city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency.
Click here to register for the Nov. 3 election.
SATURDAY, OCT. 24-SUNDAY, NOV. 1: This is the early in-person voting period. Some communities may offer in-person early voting for an additional day on Monday, Nov. 2 until 4 p.m. Find your early voting location here.
FRIDAY, OCT. 30, 5 P.M.: This is the deadline to request an absentee voter ballot by mail or online. There is no guarantee that a voter who submits their application by or close to the deadline will receive a ballot before Election Day. Voters are advised to submit their absentee ballot application at least 15 days before Election Day to allow enough time to receive and return their ballot.
MONDAY, NOV. 2, 4 P.M.: This is the deadline to request an absentee voter ballot in person at your local clerk’s office.
TUESDAY, NOV. 3: This is the last day to vote in Michigan’s midterm elections. Polls are open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. local time. If you’re in line by 8 p.m., stay in line, it is your legal right to cast your vote. Voters will be asked for a photo ID. If you don’t have a photo ID or don’t have it with, you can sign an affidavit and cast your ballot.
Register to vote: You can register to vote in person at your city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Return your absentee ballot: All nonmilitary and overseas absentee ballots must be received by your local clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Voters are encouraged to mail absentee ballots at least two weeks before Election Day to avoid potential mailing delays. If you have yet to return it before then, bring it to a ballot drop box or hand-deliver it to your local clerk.
Special circumstances for military and overseas voters:
The deadline for military or overseas voters to submit an absent voter ballot application is 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31. Military and overseas absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by within six days after the election.
Are you ready to vote?
Any voters who experience problems or who have questions on Election Day can call the Election Protection Hotline, which is run by the nonpartisan Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
- English: 1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-866-687-8683
- Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA / 1-888-839-8682
- Arabic: 1-844-YALLA-US / 1-844-925-5287
- Asian Languages: 1-888-API-VOTE / 1-888-274-8683
Use our voter tool below to see what’s on your ballot, find your polling place, and get answers to your voting questions. Plus, set reminders for future elections and remind your friends and family to vote.
