Michigan voters are choosing a governor, an open U.S. Senate seat, attorney general and secretary of state on Nov. 3, along with two statewide proposals. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and 32.9% of active registered voters had already voted by 7 a.m.
Michigan voters are deciding the governor's race and an open U.S. Senate seat, and all four major-party nominees won their primaries in August. By 7 a.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3, 32.9% of the state's active registered voters had cast ballots, according to state data. Just under 1.7 million residents had returned absentee ballots by that time, and more than 750,000 others had voted at early voting sites. In 2024, more than 3.4 million Michigan residents voted early, including 2.2 million by absentee ballot and 1.2 million in person at early voting sites.
Top races
In the governor's race, Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson faces Republican U.S. Rep. John James to succeed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who cannot seek another consecutive term because of term limits. Benson is running with Winnie Brinks for lieutenant governor, and James is running with Jay DeBoyer. Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers are competing for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters. El-Sayed's primary opponent, Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens, announced her endorsement of Rogers on Sunday morning.
Democrat Eli Savit and Republican Doug Lloyd are competing to replace term-limited Attorney General Dana Nessel. In the secretary of state race, Democrat Garlin Gilchrist II faces Republican Anthony G. Forlini.
Ballot proposals
Two statewide proposals appear on the ballot. Proposal 1 asks whether Michigan should hold a constitutional convention to rewrite its constitution. Proposal 2 asks whether to prohibit regulated utility companies and government contractors from making political contributions.
Voting details
Election Day for the 2026 general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. Anyone in line by 8 p.m. is entitled to vote.
Absentee ballots must be received by the local clerk's office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted, and it is too late to mail them.
Eligible voters can register up to and on Election Day in person at their local clerk's office through 8 p.m. They can register and vote the same day with proof of residency. Registering within 14 days of an election requires proof of residency.
