• A special primary and general election will fill Michigan’s 35th Senate District seat, vacated by US Rep Kristen McDonald Rivet
• Key statewide elections follow in August and November
• Early voting is allowed starting the Monday before Election Day, with at least nine mandatory days  

A special election for an open seat in Michigan’s 35th Senate District will kick off the state’s 2026 election cycle, giving voters in Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties a chance to head to the polls in February.

The seat was formerly held by US Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, a Democrat who won election to Congress.

If a Democrat retains the seat, it will strengthen the party’s majority in the state Senate. But if a Republican wins, the upper chamber could effectively be deadlocked for the rest of the year — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s last in office.

Nearly a dozen candidates are running for the seat. The special primary election is set for Feb. 3, followed by the special general election on May 5. Other communities may also have their own local elections on May 5.

Here are other key election dates to know in 2026:

• Tuesday, August 4: Michigan statewide primary election — voters will decide major party nominees for governor, the state Legislature, Congress and more

• Tuesday, Nov. 3: Michigan statewide general election — voters will decide the state’s next governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state legislators, members of congress and more

Related: 

• Here are facts shaping Michigan as state gears for big election year
• Michigan faces a huge election year. These are the 2026 races to watch
• Whitmer calls 2026 special election for long-vacant Michigan Senate seat

Absentee ballot deadlines

Absentee ballots are available beginning 40 days before every election.

• 5 p.m. Friday, July 31: deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail for the statewide primary election
• 4 p.m. Monday, Aug.3: deadline to request a primary absentee ballot in person at your local clerk’s office
• 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30: deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail for the statewide general election
• 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2: deadline to request an absentee ballot in person at your local clerk’s office.

How to apply for an absentee ballot 

Voters can apply for an absentee ballot online. Once the ballot application has been processed, an absentee ballot will be mailed to the voter beginning 40 days before the election.

A valid driver’s license or state ID is required to submit an application. Voters with disabilities can apply for an accessible electronic ballot.