Elections

MI Vote Matters

Voting plays a critical role in Michigan’s healthcare future as elected officials make decisions and shape policies that directly impact Michigan patients, providers and communities. Your vote matters when it comes to protecting access to care and ensuring state leaders prioritize what’s in the best interest of Michigan’s healthcare community and those they serve every day. In the 2026 election cycle, Michigan residents will have the opportunity to cast votes for:

  • Governor
  • Lieutenant Governor
  • State Attorney General
  • Secretary of State
  • U.S. Senator
  • U.S. House Representatives (by district)
  • State Senators (by district)
  • State Representatives (by district)
  • Michigan Supreme Court

Those interested in learning more about specific races and ballot proposals leading up to Election Day are encouraged to subscribe to MHA Monday Report to follow the MHA Race of the Week series.

Key Dates

Below are key dates for the 2026 election season. A complete list, including candidate and clerk deadlines, can be found on the state of Michigan website. As a reminder, updating voter registration information is necessary when an eligible voter has:

  • Moved to a new address within Michigan.
  • Recently moved to Michigan.
  • Changed their legal name.

Those unable to vote in-person due to an unexpected hospitalization, physical disability, illness or death in the family are encouraged to contact their local clerk’s office to request an emergency absentee ballot.

  • Thursday, June 25, 2026 — Absentee voting begins for the August Primary Election.
  • Monday, July 6, 2026 — Early voting for August Primary Election begins.
  • Monday, July 20, 2026 — Deadline to register by mail or online for the August Election. After this date, registration must be done in-person with a local clerk (with proof of residency) between July 21 and Aug. 4 (Election Day).
  • Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026 (7 a.m.-8 p.m.) — Primary Election. Note: Election Day registrants may obtain and vote an absent voter ballot in-person at a local clerk’s office or by voting in-person in the proper precinct.
  • Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026 (4 p.m.) — Deadline for emergency absentee voting in the Primary Election.
  • Monday, Oct. 19, 2026 — Deadline to register to vote by mail or online for the November Election. After this date, registration must be done in-person with a local clerk (with proof of residency) between Oct. 20 and Nov. 3 (Election Day).
  • Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026 (7 a.m.-8 p.m.) — General Election. Election Day registrants may obtain and vote an absent voter ballot in-person at a local clerk’s office or vote in-person in the proper precinct.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026 (4 p.m.) — Deadline for emergency absentee voting in the General Election.

Election Resources

Health PAC

Health PAC supports hospital and healthcare-friendly candidates for office and helps inform legislators about crucial healthcare issues.

MHA Social Media Pages

The MHA Facebook, Threads, Instagram and X pages feature regular updates on election activity.

MHA Legislative Action Center

The MHA Legislative Action Center allows healthcare advocates to search for all legislative representatives in their district, obtain detailed contact information for those individuals, and allows for fast, easy messaging to office-holders.

Important Legal Information for Michigan Hospitals: IRS regulations prohibit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organizations from endorsing candidates for public office or engaging in political campaign activities or expenditures. The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission that recognized a Constitutional right to independently advocate for or against a political candidate does not supersede IRS Regulations that continue to prohibit political activity by tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations. The prohibition against political activity applies to organizations, not individuals. Accordingly, employees, officers and officials of tax-exempt organizations may engage in political activity if they are acting in their individual capacities and do not in any way utilize the organization’s financial resources, other resources (such as e-mail or newsletters), facilities, or personnel, and clearly and unambiguously indicate that the actions taken or the statements made are those of the individual and not of the organization. For more information, refer to the Election Activities and 501 (C)(3) Hospitals document. These statements are offered for informational purposes only and should not be relied on as legal advice.