Genesee County, Michigan – For Michigan voters, the road to the November election does not begin at the polling place. It begins weeks earlier, with choices about when to vote, where to vote and whether to cast a ballot from home.
Genesee County is reminding residents that the Nov. 3, 2026 General Election comes with several voting options, giving eligible voters the ability to use an absentee ballot, vote during the statewide early voting period or visit their polling place on Election Day. Michigan officials are encouraging voters to prepare ahead by checking their registration and reviewing election information before casting a ballot.
Absentee ballots become available Thursday, Sept. 24. Any registered Michigan voter may vote absentee, and completed ballots can be returned by mail, through an authorized ballot drop box or directly to the local clerk. In most cases, the ballot must reach the clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
Another major date arrives Oct. 19, the deadline to register online or by mail. Beginning Oct. 20, eligible residents who still need to register must do so in person with their city or township clerk and provide proof of residency. That option remains available through Election Day.
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Michigan’s mandatory early voting period runs from Saturday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 1. Communities may offer additional early voting opportunities, and locations and operating hours can differ depending on where a voter lives.
Registered voters seeking an absentee ballot in person have until 4 p.m. Nov. 2 to apply at their clerk’s office. Election Day follows on Tuesday, Nov. 3, with polling places open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Voters will be asked for photo identification when voting in person, but not having an acceptable photo ID does not prevent someone from voting. Michigan allows those voters to sign an affidavit stating they are not in possession of photo identification and then cast a ballot.
Michigan also allows eligible people with past felony convictions to vote if they are not confined in jail or prison after sentencing. Voters who need language assistance may bring an interpreter, with certain restrictions involving employers and labor unions.
Registration status, polling locations, early voting sites, absentee ballot tracking and local clerk information are available through Michigan’s official voter information website.