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Hey there, Michigan. As of today, voting in the 2026 midterm elections has officially begun in Michigan.

That’s right: The first round of absentee ballots are on their way to voters across these pleasant peninsulas.

There’s an argument to be made that voting began back in March — after all, that was when convention voters chose the Republican candidates for secretary of state and attorney general — but this is the first time voting is open to everyone, with ballots available freely to all voters regardless of their party or ability to attend a convention. 

That means that today is Election Day, as is every day for the next 45. Voters will be returning their ballots by mail and putting them in drop boxes (you can check where yours is right here). Michigan voters also have the right to vote early in person for at least nine days — another thing you can look up locations for on the Michigan Voter Information Center

The actual primary election (or the last day of the election, depending on how you’re looking at it) is Aug. 4. The general election is Nov. 3. And if you’re keeping tabs on the “I Voted” sticker contest, that is wrapping up June 30, so get those votes in!

Have any questions? Not sure how to register? Curious what’s on your ballot? This morning, I published a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know to vote in Michigan. Check it out and then, of course, email me at [email protected] to tell me your additional questions — you know I love to hear from you. 

And, if you know anyone else who might like this email newsletter plus breaking news alerts on all things Michigan voting, encourage them to subscribe! I would love to hear from them as well.

A quick heads-up before we get to the ever-crucial bunny spotlight: Votebeat will be closed the first full week of July, so this newsletter will be back in your inbox the week of July 13. Feel free to email me in the meantime or send a news tip to [email protected].  

The interns are all ears.

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The Big Story

Appeals court rules against Trump administration in Michigan voter roll dispute

Appeals court rules against Trump administration in Michigan voter roll dispute

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice in a lawsuit over Michigan’s voter roll including voters’ personal information.

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Federal judge blocks key pillars of Trump executive order restricting mail voting in 2026 election

Judge Indira Talwani ruled against Donald Trump’s election executive order for the 2026 midterms, meaning the U.S. Postal Service can’t refuse to mail absentee ballots.

Michigan revokes Antrim County clerk’s access to voter roll after unauthorized cancellations

Antrim County Clerk Victoria Bishop, a Republican, will not be able to access Michigan’s Qualified Voter File after she allegedly changed and canceled registrations.

To accommodate overseas voters, Michigan changes start dates for local officials

Gretchen Whitmer signed four bills passed by the Michigan Legislature to help military and overseas voters by moving inauguration days back to Dec. 1 at the earliest.

Everything to know about voting in Michigan’s primaries

How to register to vote, cast an absentee ballot, and vote in person in Michigan’s August 2026 primary election for governor, senator, Congress, and more.

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