Michigan Begins Distributing Absentee Ballots for November General Election

The Government of Michigan began distributing absentee ballots on September 24 for the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. This distribution marks the start of the 40-day window required by the state constitution, a system established by the 2018 passage of Proposal 3 which allows for no-reason absentee voting.

Registered voters can obtain ballots through local clerk's offices or by requesting them online. Completed ballots must be received by local clerks by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted, with return options including mail, official drop boxes, or personal delivery. Additionally, the state will offer at least nine days of early in-person voting starting October 24.

The upcoming election features high-stakes races for governor, secretary of state, attorney general, and all 148 state legislators. A critical U.S. Senate seat is open after Gary Peters decided not to seek reelection, leaving Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers to compete for the position. The outcome of these races could shift the balance of power in the U.S. Senate and determine control of the Michigan state House of Representatives.

State officials are also recruiting paid poll workers aged 16 and older through the Democracy MVP program to assist in administering the vote.