The primary election in Michigan is Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. Whether you vote in every election, or are planning to register and vote for the first time, there are several voter deadlines to keep in mind.
Here’s your calendar of key dates in Michigan’s 2026 primary elections.
July 25-Aug. 2*: Early in-person voting
Early in-person voting is underway in Michigan. Early in-person voting allows voters to cast a ballot in-person, in an experience similar to voting on Election Day, by allowing voters to insert their completed ballot into the tabulator at an early voting site.
*Some communities are offering in-person early voting for an additional day on Aug. 3, including:
- City of Lansing (Ingham County)
- Grand Blanc Township (Genesee County)
- Harrison Township (Macomb County)
- Erie Township and City of Luna Pier (Monroe County)
- City of Lincoln Park (Wayne County)
- Van Buren Township (Wayne County)
Now-8 p.m. on Election Day
Register to vote: The deadline to register online or by mail has passed. You can register to vote in person at your city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency.
Michiganders who have not yet registered by Election Day can do so at their clerk’s office with proof of residency, and then vote with an absentee ballot at the same location.
Return your absentee ballot: Absentee ballots must be received by a your local clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted, with the exception of military and overseas ballots which must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by within six days after the election.
If you have yet to return your absentee ballot, bring it to a ballot drop box or hand-deliver it to your local clerk to avoid postal delays.
Aug. 4: Election Day
Polls are open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. local time on Aug. 4th. 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.
All nonmilitary and overseas absentee ballots must be returned by 8 p.m.
Are you ready to vote? Use our voter tool below to see what’s on your ballot, find your polling place, and get answers to your voting questions.
Related: Election coverage
