MSU Students Vote in Midterm Elections
Michigan State University students cast ballots at three on-campus precincts as the 2026 midterm elections reach the halfway point of the second Trump presidency.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Are rising living costs and healthcare affordability getting better or worse for your household?
Michigan State University students voted in the 2026 midterm elections at on-campus precincts on Election Day, with The State News staffing all three locations. The contests include the U.S. Senate race between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers and the 7th Congressional District race in Michigan.
Why it matters
The midterms mark the halfway point of the second Trump presidency, and Republicans currently control the presidency, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. Rogers lost the 2024 Senate race to Sen. Elissa Slotkin by less than 20,000 votes, making the 2026 contest a closely watched rematch for Michigan voters.
Rogers lost the 2024 Senate race by less than 20,000 votes to Sen. Elissa Slotkin. Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, is the incumbent in Michigan's 7th Congressional District race, and results were not yet available in the source.
The players
Abdul El-Sayed
Abdul El-Sayed is the Democratic nominee in the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Michigan.
Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers is the Republican nominee in the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Michigan, having previously lost the 2024 Senate contest to Elissa Slotkin.
Elissa Slotkin
Elissa Slotkin is a Democratic U.S. senator from Michigan who defeated Mike Rogers in the 2024 Senate race.
The details
Students cast ballots at three on-campus voting precincts in East Lansing, and The State News interviewed voters throughout the day. Samaria Osborn and Riya Kumar said they voted for El-Sayed, citing rising living costs, healthcare affordability and policy alignment, while Vincent Delgado voted a straight Democratic ticket.
Timeline
2024: Mike Rogers lost the U.S. Senate race to Elissa Slotkin.
Nov. 3, 2026: Midterm elections held with MSU student voting on Election Day.
Season Trajectory
The 2026 Michigan Senate contest is a rematch of the 2024 race, in which Mike Rogers lost to Elissa Slotkin by less than 20,000 votes. The outcome will shape how Republicans defend their control of Congress at the midpoint of the second Trump presidency.
Students who vote on campus can cast ballots at the precinct locations staffed on Election Day. The outcomes of the Senate and 7th District races will determine representation for Michigan residents in Congress.
The takeaway
Students' votes in East Lansing contribute directly to statewide and congressional outcomes that the 2024 margin showed can be decided by very small numbers of votes. Checking polling location details before Election Day helps ensure participation.
Further reading
For more local coverage, explore East Lansing Elections coverage of the midterm races.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The State News.
Live Poll
Are rising living costs and healthcare affordability getting better or worse for your household?
