YOUR VOTE, YOUR RIGHTS, YOUR FUTURE: MICHIGAN'S 2026 ELECTION GUIDE
Know Your Rights. Understand Your Ballot. Make Your Vote Count.
Published by Hike & Dine Events | October 28, 2026
Photo Cred: NAACP.com
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Let's talk about something that affects ALL of us... VOTING!
With another major election approaching, it's important that we understand what we're voting for, who we're voting for, and most importantly, what rights we have when we show up to cast our ballots. It doesn't matter if you're voting for the first time or you've been voting for years, there's always something worth learning.
At Hike & Dine Events, we're all about building community, connecting people, and sharing valuable information. That includes helping our communities stay informed about decisions that affect our everyday lives.
We're breaking down the 2026 Michigan election in simple terms, from federal and state government to local elections, ballot proposals, and your rights as a voter.
This guide is for voter education, NOT political endorsements. We encourage everyone to research the candidates, understand the issues, and make informed decisions.
1. FIRST THINGS FIRST: KNOW YOUR VOTING RIGHTS!
You have rights when it comes to voting, and it's important to know them before you arrive at the polls.
YOUR RIGHTS AS A MICHIGAN VOTER
1. You have the right to vote without intimidation.
Nobody is allowed to threaten, harass, or unlawfully pressure you about your vote. Poll watchers and challengers cannot interfere with you casting your ballot.
2. You can vote without a photo ID.
Michigan election workers will ask for photo identification, but if you don't have an acceptable photo ID with you, you can still vote by signing an affidavit.
You do not automatically lose your right to vote because you forgot your ID!
3. You have the right to a private ballot.
Nobody can require you to tell them whom you voted for. Your individual ballot choices are confidential.
4. You can register to vote through Election Day.
Michigan allows eligible residents to register in person at their city or township clerk's office through 8 PM on Election Day.
You must provide the required proof of residency.
5. You have the right to vote early.
Michigan provides at least nine consecutive days of early in-person voting for statewide and federal elections.
6. You can vote absentee without providing a reason.
Eligible Michigan voters can request an absentee ballot and vote from home.
7. You can request assistance if you have a disability.
Polling locations must provide accessible voting options. Voters with disabilities can request assistance and reasonable accommodations.
8. You can receive language assistance.
Voters who need interpretation may bring someone to assist them, subject to certain restrictions. Your interpreter cannot be your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer of your labor union.
9. You can request another ballot if you make a mistake.
If you accidentally mark the wrong selection before casting your ballot, notify an election worker and ask for a replacement.
10. You can still vote if you're in line when polls close.
Michigan polls close at 8 PM. If you're already in line by that time, you have the right to cast your ballot.
11. Having a criminal conviction doesn't automatically prevent you from voting.
Michigan residents with past felony convictions, including people on probation or parole, can vote if they otherwise meet eligibility requirements.
People currently serving a sentence in jail or prison generally cannot vote until they are released. People awaiting trial who are otherwise eligible may vote.
12. You can ask questions and report voting problems.
If you're told you cannot vote, ask the election worker to explain why and request assistance from the election inspector or your local clerk.
Depending on the situation, you may have options involving a challenged or provisional ballot.
WHAT IF SOMEONE TRIES TO STOP YOU FROM VOTING?
If you experience intimidation, discrimination, or problems casting your ballot:
Ask to speak with the election inspector.
Contact your local city or township clerk.
Call the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
Report threats or intimidation to the appropriate authorities.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS BEFORE YOU WALK THROUGH THOSE DOORS!
2. IMPORTANT 2026 MICHIGAN VOTING DATES
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: ELECTION DAY
October 19th: Last day to register online or by mail for this election.
October 24th – November 1st: Statewide early in-person voting period.
October 30th at 5 PM: Deadline for your clerk to receive a mailed or online absentee ballot request.
November 2nd at 4 PM: Deadline for already-registered voters to request an absentee ballot in person at their clerk's office.
November 3rd: Election Day. Polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM.
Eligible voters can still register in person with proof of residency at their local clerk's office through 8 PM on Election Day. Completed absentee ballots generally must be received by your clerk by 8 PM on November 3. Special rules apply to eligible military and overseas voters.
IMPORTANT: If you're voting absentee this close to Election Day, consider returning your ballot directly to your clerk's office or an official ballot drop box rather than relying on mail delivery.
Find your registration, voting location, and absentee ballot information at Michigan.gov/Vote.
3. WHAT ARE WE VOTING FOR IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT?
The November 2026 election is a MIDTERM ELECTION. That means we're voting halfway through the president's four-year term. We are NOT voting for president in 2026. The next regularly scheduled presidential election is in 2028. However, we're voting for members of Congress who help determine which federal laws move forward.
U.S. SENATE: MICHIGAN
Michigan is electing one U.S. senator to serve a six-year term.
Major-party candidates:
🔵 Abdul El-Sayed: Democrat
El-Sayed is a physician and former public health official.
His campaign focuses on:
Making healthcare more affordable and accessible.
Lowering prescription drug costs.
Supporting workers and labor protections.
Addressing housing and education costs.
Protecting reproductive rights.
🔴 Mike Rogers: Republican
Rogers is a former U.S. congressman.
His campaign focuses on:
National security and border security.
Economic growth and employment.
Reducing government regulations.
Energy production.
Public safety.
WHAT DOES A U.S. SENATOR ACTUALLY DO?
Senators vote on federal legislation, government spending, presidential appointments, and federal judges, including Supreme Court nominees.
The Senate also plays an important role in oversight of the federal government.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
All 13 Michigan congressional districts are holding elections.
Each district elects one representative for a two-year term.
Representatives vote on federal issues including:
Healthcare and Medicare.
Social Security legislation.
Federal taxes and spending.
Immigration.
Education funding.
Infrastructure.
National policies affecting workers and businesses.
YOUR CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES DEPEND ON WHERE YOU LIVE!
Not every Michigan voter will see the same U.S. House candidates.
WHY DOES CONTROL OF CONGRESS MATTER?
Congress is made up of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.
The party controlling each chamber influences which bills receive attention, who leads committees, and what legislative priorities move forward.
However, federal laws generally require approval from both chambers and the president, unless Congress overrides a veto.
4. WHAT ARE WE VOTING FOR IN MICHIGAN'S STATE GOVERNMENT?
Michigan voters are electing a new governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and state lawmakers. These positions affect laws and services throughout Michigan.
GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN
Jocelyn Benson: Democrat
Running mate: Winnie Brinks
Benson currently serves as Michigan's secretary of state.
Her campaign priorities include:
Making Michigan more affordable for working families.
Improving public education.
Expanding economic opportunities and better-paying jobs.
Addressing healthcare, housing, and childcare affordability.
Protecting voting rights.
Improving government accountability.
John James: Republican
Running mate: Jay DeBoyer
James currently serves in the U.S. House of Representatives.
His campaign emphasizes:
Economic growth and job creation.
Reducing business regulations.
Improving education.
Public safety.
Government efficiency.
Additional minor-party candidates are running for governor. Review the official candidate list for the complete ballot.
WHAT DOES THE GOVERNOR DO?
The governor leads Michigan's executive branch, proposes budgets, signs or vetoes state legislation, and oversees executive agencies.
The governor plays a major role in determining which state policies become law.
MICHIGAN ATTORNEY GENERAL
Eli Savit: Democrat
Savit currently serves as the Washtenaw County prosecutor.
His priorities include:
Fighting wage theft.
Strengthening consumer protections.
Addressing price gouging and fraud.
Protecting civil rights.
Enforcing environmental protections.
Holding businesses accountable for unlawful practices.
Doug Lloyd: Republican
Lloyd serves as the Eaton County prosecutor.
His priorities include:
Criminal prosecution and public safety.
Law enforcement.
His approach to firearm laws and criminal justice.
Enforcing Michigan laws.
WHAT DOES THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DO?
The attorney general is Michigan's chief legal officer. This office represents the state in court, handles certain investigations, enforces state laws, and protects consumers.
MICHIGAN SECRETARY OF STATE
Garlin Gilchrist II: Democrat
Gilchrist currently serves as Michigan's lieutenant governor.
His priorities include:
Protecting voting access.
Maintaining election security.
Protecting voter information.
Modernizing government services.
Improving campaign finance transparency.
Anthony Forlini: Republican
Forlini serves as the Macomb County clerk.
His priorities include:
Election administration.
Accurate voter registration records.
Government transparency.
Improving state services.
WHAT DOES THE SECRETARY OF STATE DO?
The secretary of state oversees statewide election administration, campaign finance reporting, driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other public services.
5. MICHIGAN HOUSE & SENATE: WHY THESE ELECTIONS MATTER
This is one part of the election that deserves more attention! Michigan has two legislative chambers:
Michigan House of Representatives, 110 seats
Michigan Senate, 38 seats
All seats in both chambers are up for election in November 2026.
WHAT DO STATE LAWMAKERS DO?
They vote on laws and state budgets affecting:
Public education.
Healthcare.
Workers' rights and wages.
Housing.
Roads and infrastructure.
Taxes.
Public safety.
Environmental protections.
State programs and services.
WHO CURRENTLY CONTROLS MICHIGAN'S GOVERNMENT?
As of October 2026:
🔵 Governor: Democratic
🔵 Michigan Senate: Democratic-controlled
🔴 Michigan House: Republican-controlled
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
For most legislation to become law, both the Michigan House and Senate must approve it before sending it to the governor. When one party controls the governor's office and both legislative chambers, it generally has more opportunities to advance its legislative priorities. When control is divided, negotiations and compromises between parties often become necessary.
REMEMBER: Your state representative and state senator are determined by your residential voting districts. Research the candidates who will actually appear on your ballot.
6. MICHIGAN'S TWO STATEWIDE BALLOT PROPOSALS: EXPLAINED SIMPLY
Every Michigan voter will see two statewide proposals on the November 2026 ballot. These proposals are separate from voting for political candidates.
PROPOSAL 1: MICHIGAN'S CONSTITUTION
WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?
Proposal 1 asks whether Michigan should hold a constitutional convention in 2027.
Michigan's Constitution is the state's foundational legal document. It establishes how state government operates and includes provisions involving voting rights, education, taxation, government powers, and individual protections.
WHAT WOULD THE PROPOSAL DO?
It would authorize a convention of elected delegates to consider a general revision of Michigan's Constitution. Delegates would examine the existing Constitution and draft proposed changes. The proposed revision would then be presented to Michigan voters for approval or rejection.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Michigan's Constitution affects many parts of everyday life, including the powers of elected officials and the rights protected under state law. Supporters of a convention see an opportunity to modernize the document and reconsider outdated provisions. Opponents are concerned about the cost, uncertainty, and possibility of changing existing constitutional protections.
IN SIMPLE TERMS: Michigan voters are deciding whether to begin a process that could lead to major changes in how the state is governed. The proposal itself does not immediately rewrite the Constitution.
PROPOSAL 2: MONEY IN POLITICS
WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?
Proposal 2 focuses on political contributions from certain utility companies and government contractors, along with transparency in political advertising.
WHAT WOULD THE PROPOSAL DO?
It would:
Restrict direct and indirect campaign contributions from certain regulated electric and gas utilities.
Restrict contributions from certain government contractors receiving more than $250,000 annually in government contracts.
Extend restrictions to certain individuals and organizations substantially connected to those businesses.
Expand campaign finance disclosure requirements to additional political communications identifying candidates or ballot questions.
Explicitly apply political advertising sponsor disclosure requirements to internet communications.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Political campaigns can receive substantial financial support from businesses, organizations, and individuals. Supporters of the proposal argue that stronger restrictions and disclosure rules could reduce conflicts of interest and help the public understand who is funding political messages. Questions about the proposal include how broadly the restrictions would apply, how they would be enforced, and their relationship to political speech protections.
IN SIMPLE TERMS: The proposal would place additional limits on certain political contributions and require more transparency about who pays for political advertising.
7. DON'T SKIP THE JUDGES & EDUCATION BOARDS!
Some of the most overlooked elections are the ones farther down the ballot.
Michigan voters will also elect members of statewide education boards and judges.
MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT
The Michigan Supreme Court is the state's highest court. Its justices interpret Michigan law and the state Constitution and decide important legal disputes.
Supreme Court elections appear on the nonpartisan portion of the ballot.
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
The State Board of Education helps guide statewide education policy and oversees the state superintendent.
UNIVERSITY GOVERNING BOARDS
Michigan voters also elect members of governing boards for:
University of Michigan.
Michigan State University.
Wayne State University.
These boards oversee matters such as institutional budgets, leadership, policies, and governance.
IMPORTANT: Judicial and school board candidates may appear without political party labels. Research their backgrounds, qualifications, and records individually.
8. DON'T FORGET YOUR COUNTY, CITY & LOCAL ELECTIONS!
While statewide elections get much of the attention, local elections can have a direct impact on your community. Depending on where you live, your ballot may include:
County Executives and County Commissioners.
City or Township Officials.
Local Judges.
School Board Members.
Community College Trustees.
State House and Senate Representatives.
Local Proposals and Millages.
These officials make decisions involving public services, budgets, roads, schools, parks, and other community needs.
WHAT ARE LOCAL BALLOT PROPOSALS?
Local proposals allow residents to vote on specific matters affecting their communities. They may involve:
Roads & Infrastructure
Funding for road repairs, bridges, drainage systems, and infrastructure improvements.
Schools & Education
Funding for school facilities, educational programs, equipment, and district operations.
Public Safety
Funding for police departments, fire departments, emergency response services, and equipment.
Parks & Recreation
Funding for parks, trails, recreation facilities, and public outdoor spaces.
Libraries, Museums & Community Services
Funding for public libraries, historical museums, and community programs.
Property Taxes & Millages
Proposals to establish, renew, restore, or increase taxes supporting specific public services.
A mill is a property tax rate equal to $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value.
For example, a 1-mill tax equals $100 annually on a property with a taxable value of $100,000.
YOUR LOCATION DETERMINES YOUR LOCAL BALLOT!
Not every Michigan resident will have the same candidates or proposals.
Your ballot depends on your:
City or township.
County.
Congressional district.
State House and Senate districts.
School district.
Other applicable local voting districts.
Before Election Day, ask yourself:
Who is running for office in my community?
What does each elected position actually control?
What have the candidates accomplished or proposed?
Are there any new taxes or funding renewals on my ballot?
How would these proposals affect my household and community?
DON'T JUST RESEARCH THE BIG POLITICAL NAMES!
Pay attention to the people making decisions right where you live.
9. HOW TO VOTE IN MICHIGAN
Michigan provides several voting options.
OPTION 1: VOTE EARLY IN PERSON
Early voting runs from October 24 through November 1, 2026. You can visit an authorized early voting site for your jurisdiction, complete your ballot, and place it in the tabulator. Check the official voting site locations and hours before going.
OPTION 2: VOTE ON ELECTION DAY
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
Polls are open from 7 AM until 8 PM.
You must vote at your assigned Election Day polling place.
OPTION 3: VOTE ABSENTEE
Eligible Michigan voters can request an absentee ballot without providing a reason.
Complete your ballot, sign the return envelope as instructed, and return it before the deadline. You can check the status of your absentee ballot online.
WHAT ABOUT STRAIGHT-TICKET VOTING?
Michigan allows straight-ticket voting in general elections. This means you can select a political party's straight-ticket option for partisan races. However, straight-ticket voting does NOT automatically complete your entire ballot! You must still make individual selections for nonpartisan races and ballot proposals. You can also choose candidates from different political parties in the general election. Before submitting your ballot, review every section.
10. HOW TO FIND YOUR EXACT BALLOT
The Michigan Voter Information Center allows you to:
Check your voter registration.
Find your assigned polling place.
Find early voting locations.
View your sample ballot.
Locate your local election clerk.
Request or track an absentee ballot.
Your sample ballot shows the candidates and proposals that apply to your voting address. You can research everything before you arrive at the polls.
DON'T WAIT UNTIL ELECTION DAY TO FIGURE OUT WHO OR WHAT YOU'RE VOTING FOR!
11. QUICK REMINDERS BEFORE YOU VOTE
Check your registration.
Review your sample ballot.
Research candidates beyond their political party.
Understand what each proposal would change.
Check early voting locations and hours.
Bring an acceptable photo ID if you have one, but remember Michigan provides an affidavit option if you don't.
Know your rights if you experience a problem.
Review the nonpartisan and proposal sections of your ballot.
Remember that your local elections matter.
A FINAL MESSAGE FROM HIKE & DINE EVENTS
Our communities are shaped by more than the places we visit and the people we meet. They're also shaped by the decisions made in government. From healthcare and education to employment, public safety, roads, public parks, and the cost of living, elected officials make decisions that can affect our everyday lives. Being involved in your community also means understanding the issues that affect it.
You don't have to be a political expert to become an informed voter. Take time to learn about the candidates, understand what their positions actually control, and read the proposals before making your decisions. Share this information with your family, friends, coworkers, and anyone who could use a little guidance before Election Day.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. KNOW YOUR BALLOT. MAKE YOUR VOICE COUNT!
— Hike & Dine Events
OFFICIAL VOTER INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Michigan Voter Information Center: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/
Check registration, sample ballots, voting locations, and absentee ballot status.
Michigan Department of State Elections: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/elections
Official election deadlines, voting procedures, candidate lists, and statewide proposals.
Michigan Voting Rights Guide: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/elections/voting
Learn about identification, early voting, absentee voting, and accessibility.
Michigan Attorney General Election Protection: https://www.michigan.gov/ag/consumer-protection/election-protection-2026
Information about voter intimidation, election security, and legal protections.
Official Michigan Candidate Listing:
View candidates for state and judicial offices.
Election Protection Hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
Information current as of October 28, 2026. This article provides general voter education and is not legal advice or a political endorsement. Candidate lists, election procedures, and local ballot details should always be verified through official election authorities.
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