Your Guide To The 2026 Michigan Midterm Elections: Dates, Races And How To Vote

Michigan voters head to the polls Nov. 3 for the state's midterm elections, with some of the biggest statewide races in years on the ballot.

Michiganders will choose their next governor, secretary of state and attorney general.

They will also choose their congressional representatives. Michigan's 13 U.S. House districts and an open U.S. Senate seat to replace retiring Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters will be determined. All state House and state Senate seats will be contested.

Here's how to vote:

By mail: Request a ballot at Michigan.gov/vote. Mail ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Any registered voter can choose to vote by mail or drop box without needing an excuse. Absentee ballots started going out on Thursday.

Early in-person: Each Michigan community must offer at least nine consecutive days of early in-person voting, starting on the second Saturday before the election (which, for this year’s primary, is Oct. 24). You can check when and where that will be for your city or township at the Michigan Voter Information Center.

On Election Day: Michigan voters are allowed to select candidates from different parties for different races during the general election - they are not required to vote only for candidates in a specific party.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 3 across Michigan.

What's on my ballot?

Governor

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and U.S. Rep. John James are vying for the office.

Benson cruised to an overwhelming victory in the Democratic primary, while James beat out Oakland County businessman Perry Johnson for his party's nomination.

Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cannot run again after serving two terms.

U.S. Senate

Former executive director of the Detroit Health Department Abdul El-Sayed is battling former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers for the seat.

El-Sayed won a tough primary against U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, while Rogers ran unopposed in the Republican primary.

Democratic Sen. Gary Peters chose not to seek reelection in 2026. He was first elected in 2014.

U.S. House

All 13 of Michigan's seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election. Districts 10 and 11 are expected to be among the most competitive seats.

State Legislature

All 110 seats in the State House and all 38 seats in the State Senate are up for election. Democrats hold a narrow 20-18 lead in the Senate, while Republicans hold a narrow 58-52 lead in the House.

Local races

Depending on where you live, you may also see county races, school board seats and hospital district elections on your ballot.

You can view your sample ballot online at the Michigan Voter Information Center.