Oakland County Turnout Reaches 64.2%
Turnout in the November 3, 2026 general election was just short of the county's 2018 record, with voters also approving most school bond and millage measures.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Oakland County recorded 64.2% voter turnout in the November 3, 2026 general election, up from 60.3% in November 2022 and just short of the 2018 record of 64.53%. Voters also approved eight of nine school improvement bonds and operating millages.
Why it matters
Turnout across the state reached about 47% of 8.46 million registered voters, and Oakland County's higher rate reflects broader participation in the election. Approval of school funding measures determines local resources for districts across the county.
Oakland County's 64.2% turnout compares with 60.3% in November 2022 and a 64.53% record in 2018. Final totals remain subject to military, overseas, and cured absentee ballots received in the following week.
The players
Lisa Brown
Oakland County Clerk who reported this year's turnout and compared it to the 2018 record.
The details
Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown said the turnout was just short of the 2018 record. To handle the volume, the county used express lanes for absentee ballots returned to early voting sites and added clipboards for election-day voters filling out applications.
Timeline
November 2022: Oakland County turnout was 60.3%.
2018: Oakland County set a turnout record of 64.53%.
November 3, 2026: General election held with 64.2% county turnout.
One week after the election: Military, overseas, and cured absentee ballots expected to change totals.
Civic Engagement Trend
The 64.2% Oakland County turnout came just short of the county's 2018 record of 64.53%, placing the 2026 election close to the high-water mark set eight years earlier. It also marks a rise from 60.3% in November 2022, continuing a pattern of higher participation in recent off-cycle and general elections.
Approved school bonds and operating millages will affect local property tax levels and school funding for Oakland County districts. Residents can check their district's approved measures through the county clerk's results.
The takeaway
Higher turnout gives local school measures broader support, so checking which bonds and millages passed in your district can clarify what changes to expect in funding.
What happens next
Final turnout totals will be updated after military, overseas, and cured absentee ballots are received about one week after the election.
Further reading
Explore more on Civic Engagement to see how local voter participation trends compare across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Oakland Press.
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