Michigan 2026 elections: Dates, deadlines and a key special election

A special primary and general election will fill Michigan’s 35th Senate District seat, vacated by US Rep Kristen McDonald Rivet
Key statewide elections follow in August and November
Early voting is allowed starting the Monday before Election Day, with at least nine mandatory days

A special election for an open seat in Michigan’s 35th Senate District will kick off the state’s 2026 election cycle, giving voters in Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties a chance to head to the polls in February.

The seat was formerly held by US Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, a Democrat who won election to Congress.

If a Democrat retains the seat, it will strengthen the party’s majority in the state Senate. But if a Republican wins, the upper chamber could effectively be deadlocked for the rest of the year — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s last in office.

Nearly a dozen candidates are running for the seat. The special primary election is set for Feb. 3, followed by the special general election on May 5. Other communities may also have their own local elections on May 5.

Here are other key election dates to know in 2026:

Tuesday, August 4: Michigan statewide primary election — voters will decide major party nominees for governor, the state Legislature, Congress and more

Tuesday, Nov. 3: Michigan statewide general election — voters will decide the state’s next governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state legislators, members of congress and more

Related:

Absentee ballot deadlines

Absentee ballots are available beginning 40 days before every election.

5 p.m. Friday, July 31: deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail for the statewide primary election
4 p.m. Monday, Aug.3: deadline to request a primary absentee ballot in person at your local clerk’s office
5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30: deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail for the statewide general election
4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2: deadline to request an absentee ballot in person at your local clerk’s office.

How to apply for an absentee ballot

Voters can apply for an absentee ballot online. Once the ballot application has been processed, an absentee ballot will be mailed to the voter beginning 40 days before the election.

A valid driver’s license or state ID is required to submit an application. Voters with disabilities can apply for an accessible electronic ballot.

All absentee ballots must be received by your local clerk by 8 p.m. on election day.

Where to register to vote?

Michigan residents can register to vote online or by mail but must do so by July 20 for the Aug. 4 primary. The last day to register to vote by mail or online for the Nov. 3 general election is Oct. 19.

Residents who register to vote within 14 days of the election can only do so in person by visiting their local clerk’s office. Same-day registration is also available until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Early voting

Since 2024, Michigan has allowed early, in-person voting statewide.

Early voting dates can vary by jurisdiction, but residents have a mandatory 9 days to vote in-person before the election. Check with your local county clerk for more details.