Michigan Early Voting Ends With 1.7 Million Ballots Returned
Nine days of in-person early voting closed Sunday as Michigan prepares for its November 3 general election.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Elections
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Are you confident Michigan's local election clerks will count ballots accurately this November?
Nine days of early in-person voting in Michigan ended on November 1, 2026. As of October 30, voters had returned 1,704,715 advance ballots, representing 23% of registered voters in the state.
Why it matters
The November 3 ballot includes governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House races, along with state legislative contests and statewide proposals. Because local clerks do not tabulate ballots until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, final results will depend on votes cast both before and on election day.
As of October 30, 2026, 1,704,715 advance ballots had been returned in Michigan, equal to 23% of registered voters. Early in-person voting ran for nine days, with sites open beginning October 24.
The players
John James
John James is a Republican U.S. Representative from Michigan who is running for governor against Democrat Jocelyn Benson.
Jocelyn Benson
Jocelyn Benson is the Democratic candidate for Michigan governor, facing Republican U.S. Representative John James in the November 3 election.
Anthony Forlini
Anthony Forlini is a Republican and Macomb County clerk and register of deeds who is running for Michigan secretary of state against Democrat Garlin Gilchrist.
Garlin Gilchrist
Garlin Gilchrist is the Democratic candidate for Michigan secretary of state, facing Republican Anthony Forlini in the November 3 election.
The details
Michigan voters can cast ballots in person on Election Day or return absentee ballots to drop boxes, local clerk offices, or polling places. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on November 3.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: Early voting sites opened across Michigan.
October 30, 2026: Advance ballot return count of 1,704,715 was reported.
November 1, 2026: Nine days of early in-person voting ended.
November 3, 2026: Election Day, with polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Seasonal Patterns
The 1,704,715 advance ballots returned by October 30 represent 23% of Michigan's registered voters before Election Day. Comparing this early-return share to Michigan's prior general election totals will show whether 2026 advance voting is running ahead of or behind recent cycles.
Voters who have not yet cast a ballot can vote in person on November 3 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Absentee ballots can be returned to a drop box, local clerk's office, or polling place before polls close.
The takeaway
Michigan voters have until 8 p.m. on November 3 to cast ballots, and final totals will reflect both advance returns and votes cast on Election Day.
What happens next
Election Day voting takes place November 3, 2026, with polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and results tabulated after polls close.
Further reading
Explore more on Elections coverage for Michigan's November races.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Macomb Daily.
Live Poll
Are you confident Michigan's local election clerks will count ballots accurately this November?
