How to vote in Michigan’s 2026 November election

With this November’s election still nearly two months away, Watershed Voice is here to provide some preliminary election information to help readers make a voting plan well in advance. 

Voter registration

One way to make Election Day easier is to register early, though eligible Michigan residents can register in person at their local clerk’s office through Election Day. Once registered, voters generally do not need to register again unless their information changes.

In Michigan, voter registration generally involves verifying your eligibility, completing and submitting an application, and having the application processed by election officials. 

There are three main ways to register to vote: in person, by mail, or online. 

In-person registration takes place at your local clerk’s office or a designated satellite office. Eligible voters can register there through 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3. From October 20 through Election Day, voters must register in person at their local clerk’s office or a designated satellite office and provide proof of residency. 

Voters can register online or by mail through October 19, 15 days before the November 3 election. 

To register online, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at Michigan.gov/vote. 

To register by mail, download and print a voter registration application or obtain one from your local clerk’s office. Completed applications can be mailed to the voter’s local clerk. You can also scan and email applications to your local clerk through October 19. 

First-time Michigan voters registering by mail may have additional identification requirements in some circumstances. 

Michigan residents who are at least 16 years old may preregister to vote if they otherwise meet the state’s eligibility requirements. Preregistered voters automatically become registered at age 17 ½ and may vote in an election if they will be 18 by Election Day. 

Voters can also check their registration status and find their local clerk through the Michigan Voter Information Center. 

Registering to vote by mail is not the same as applying for an absentee ballot. They are separate processes.

Ways to vote

There are three main ways to vote: in person on Election Day, in person during the early voting period, or by absentee ballot. Election Day voters must go to their assigned polling place, while early voters must use an eligible early voting site. Voters can find their locations and hours through the Michigan Voter Information Center. 

To vote absentee, voters generally must submit an absentee ballot application unless they are already on Michigan’s permanent absentee ballot list. Voters can apply for an absentee ballot online, in person, or by mail. 

For statewide and federal elections, early voting 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 with the ability to go up to 29 days total. 

For the November 3 general election, the required early voting period runs from Saturday, October 24, through Sunday, November 1. 

Contact your local clerk or visit your county’s website for specific sites and hours.  

In Michigan, all registered voters have the right to vote by mail using an absentee ballot delivered to their home. 

Voters may also request an absentee ballot directly from their local clerk’s office. Absentee ballots for the November 3 election become available September 24, 40 days before Election Day. 

Absentee ballot applications sent by mail must be received by the voter’s local clerk by 5 p.m. Friday, October 30. 

The state recommends applying and returning ballots considerably earlier to account for mail delays. Most completed absentee ballots must reach the voter’s local clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. 

More election coverage to come

This guide is intended to help voters understand how to register, choose a voting method, and make a voting plan ahead of the November 3 election.

Watershed Voice will publish additional election coverage closer to Election Day detailing the candidates, races, and ballot proposals voters will see locally and statewide. Since ballots differ depending on where a voter lives, readers can view their sample ballot through the Michigan Voter Information Center once it is available. 

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.