(WWJ) Absentee voting kicks off this week in Michigan.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says if you would like an absentee ballot, the application process is simple.
"You can go to Michigan.gov/vote to get your absentee ballot, to begin thinking about participating and how your hope to participate in this primary, and in November's election."
Online applications for absentee ballots must be submitted by 5 p.m. the Friday before an election, although officials encourage people to get their applications in at least 15 days before.
Benson said that regardless of how you do it, it's important to vote.
"I believe that we're in a critical moment for the future of our democracy and our economy here in Michigan," she told WWJ's Amanda Forrester. "And our opportunity as citizens to have a voice in defining who's going to lead our state in the future is one of the most important rights and opportunities we have in this state."
[Something to note: Benson, a Democrat, is running for governor of Michigan in this election.]
How does absentee voting work in Michigan?
Michigan operates as a no-reason absentee voting state, meaning absolutely any registered voter can choose to vote by mail or drop box without needing an excuse.
Because the state primary is coming up on August 4, 2026, local clerks begin mailing out ballots to approved applicants 40 days in advance. That hits right this final week of June.
To participate, eligible Michigan voters need to submit a quick application online at Michigan.gov/Vote, by mail, or in person at your local clerk's office.
Once you get your ballot, you fill it out, place it in the provided secrecy sleeve, sign and date the outside of the return envelope (this step is crucial for signature verification), and mail it back or drop it in a secure local drop box.
Just make sure your local clerk receives it by 8 p.m. on Election Day (August 4), as postmarks do not count for standard domestic ballots.
Those on a permanent absentee ballot don't need to submit an application for each election. The local clerk automatically mails them a ballot for all local, state and federal elections.
What's on the ballot this time?
Because 2026 is a midterm election year, it is a massive voting cycle for Michiganders. Virtually all major statewide offices are completely opening up due to term limits, alongside a surprise federal opening.
The upcoming August 4 primary is where voters will narrow down the crowded field of Democratic and Republican candidates to decide exactly who moves on to the final November ballot.
Michigan voters should be prepared to make their picks for the following:
- Governor: Incumbent Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited, triggering a wide-open race to replace her.
- U.S. Senate: A rare open seat is up for grabs following the announced retirement of incumbent Democratic Senator Gary Peters.
- State Executives: Voters will choose a new Secretary of State and Attorney General.
- Federal & State Legislature: All 13 of Michigan's seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, all 110 seats in the State House, and all 38 seats in the State Senate are up for election.
- Judicial & Proposals: Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are on the ballot, alongside local millages and a mandatory statewide ballot question asking voters whether Michigan should hold a Constitutional Convention to rewrite or amend the state's constitution.
