RNC Warns Michigan Clerks on Split-Ticket Voting

The Republican National Committee says some election inspectors are misinforming voters about straight-party ballots ahead of the Michigan Senate race.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Political Parties

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a simplified ballot box silhouette in deep red on a cream field above a horizon line. — The Republican National Committee urged Michigan county clerks to enforce state law after reports some election inspectors misinformed voters about straight-party ballots ahead of the Senate race. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Republican National Committee's Election Integrity team sent a letter to Michigan county clerks demanding compliance with state law after reports that some election inspectors told voters a straight-party vote prevents them from crossing over to back another party's candidate. The Secretary of State has been notified and has taken steps to address the issue.

Why it matters

The Michigan Constitution allows voters to select a straight-party option and still vote for individual candidates of the other party, so inaccurate guidance at the polls could affect how ballots are cast in a closely watched Senate contest. The dispute comes as the state's Senate race draws attention from both parties.

The Michigan Constitution permits a straight-party vote alongside individual votes for the other party's candidates, and Michigan last elected a Republican to the Senate in 1994. The RNC has not said how many voters received incorrect guidance, and the scope of the reports remains unconfirmed.

The players

Republican National Committee

The national organization that coordinates Republican Party strategy and election activity across the United States.

Haley Stevens

A Democratic U.S. representative from Michigan who has been a prominent figure in the state's party politics.

Mike Rogers

The Republican candidate in the 2026 Michigan Senate race, previously a U.S. representative from Michigan.

Abdul El-Sayed

The Democratic candidate in the 2026 Michigan Senate race, a former Detroit health official.

The details

The RNC Election Integrity team, through counsel Luke Bunting and senior counsel James Hasson, sent the letter to county clerks demanding compliance with state law. The move follows the endorsement by Rep. Haley Stevens of Republican Mike Rogers over Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, which Stevens tied to El-Sayed's friendship with streamer Hasan Piker and his views on Israel and Jewish Americans.

Sunday: Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers over Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.
Monday, November 2, 2026: Detroit City Councilwoman Mary Waters told the New York Post that voters may back Rogers if they liked him.
November 3, 2026: The RNC warning was reported.

Political Context

Michigan has not sent a Republican to the Senate since 1994, which is the backdrop for the RNC's push to protect split-ticket voting rights in the 2026 race. Critics of the endorsement fight argue that party loyalty tests now shape crossover voting more than candidate records do.

Voters who want to back a candidate from the other party can still do so on a straight-party ballot in Michigan, so the choice remains in their hands at the polls. Confirming the rules with the local clerk before voting can prevent confusion about how a ballot will be counted.

The takeaway

Michigan's ballot rules let voters split their tickets even when a straight-party option is available, so checking the rules with an election official before voting helps avoid mistakes.