Your 2026 Michigan primary election voter guide

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Tuesday is Primary Election Day in Michigan.
Key races on the ballot are the gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races, as well as various congressional, state senate, and state house races.
Here’s what to know before you head to the polls for Primary Election Day:
-- > What’s on the ballot in the 2026 Michigan primary election
When is Primary Election Day?
Michigan’s Primary Election Day is on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where do I go to vote?
To find your polling place, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center and enter your voter information.
What should I expect at my polling place?
Voting systems can vary from county to county.
Click here to see specific information about voting equipment in your county.
Click here to see specific information about Hart, ES&S and Liberty Vote voting systems.
When you go to your polling place, you will be instructed to sign in, then mark your ballot, and then cast your ballot.
You will be asked to show ID when you check in to vote.
ID types you can use to check in are:
Michigan driver’s license or state ID (may be expired)

Driver’s license or state ID issued by another state

Federal, state or local government-issued photo ID

U.S. passport

Military photo ID

Photo ID from an educational institution

Tribal photo ID

What do I need with me to vote on Election Day?
You will be asked to show identification when checking in to vote. If you do not have an ID, expect a poll worker to ask you to sign a form before you vote that explains you didn’t have an ID. Your ballot will be included with all others and counted.
Am I registered to vote?
To check your registration status, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center and enter your voter information.
How do I register to vote?
If you did not register to vote before Election Day, you can still register to vote in person before 8 p.m. on Aug. 4.
Can I vote as a student?
If you are from Michigan and go to school in the state, you can register to vote at your school address or your home address.

If you are from Michigan and attend school outside the state, you can register to vote at your home address in Michigan.
If you’re not from Michigan but go to school in the state, you can register to vote at your school address in Michigan.
What’s on the ballot?
Major races in this year’s election include the gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races. There are a few congressional races across the state, with state senate and house elections.
-- > Here’s a look at the key races in Michigan’s 2026 primary election
Click here to view your sample ballot.
Are campaign materials, clothing or accessories allowed in a polling place?
No. It’s against Michigan law to be within 100 feet of a polling place with the following:
Campaigning for a candidate or ballot measure

Wearing or bringing election- or campaign-related clothing or accessories

Displaying or wearing candidate or election-related signage

Bringing election, campaign, or partisan materials into a polling place

Requesting signatures for or signing petitions

Can I vote a “split” ticket in the August primary election?
No. Michigan voters can only vote in one party column and cannot “split” their ticket, meaning to vote in more than one party column, if voting in a presidential or statewide primary.
Voters can “split” their ticket in the November general election. Michigan voters also have the option to vote straight-ticket by selecting the option on the side of their ballot with partisan races. Voting straight ticket does not automatically include selections on the non-partisan side of the ballot.
Do I need to vote the entire ballot?
Michigan voters are not required to vote the entire ballot. You can choose the races or ballot questions you want to vote. Skipping sections on the ballot does not invalidate your ballot.