Saturday, October 24, is national Vote Early Day, and it’s also the first day of Michigan’s required nine-day early voting period!

That means Michigan voters have an opportunity to cast their ballots in person before Election Day on November 3.

If you’ve never voted early before, you might have questions. Where do you go? Is it the same as voting on Election Day? What if you’re not registered yet?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is national Vote Early Day?

Vote Early Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday that helps people learn about their voting options and make a plan to cast their ballots before Election Day.

Different states have different early voting rules. In Michigan, voters have the right to vote early in person during a required statewide early voting period.

When can you vote early in Michigan?

Michigan’s required early voting period for the November 3 General Election runs from Saturday, October 24, through Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Every Michigan community must offer at least nine consecutive days of early in-person voting, with a minimum of eight hours available each day.

Some communities offer additional early voting days, so your local schedule may be longer.

October 24 through November 1 is the statewide minimum, not necessarily the only days you can vote early in your community.

Check your assigned early voting locations, dates, and hours at mi.gov/vote.

Is voting early the same as voting on Election Day?

Yes! Early in-person voting works much like voting at your polling place on Election Day.

Here’s what happens:

1. Go to one of your assigned early voting sites during its operating hours.
2. Check in with an election worker.
3. Receive your ballot and mark your choices.
4. Insert your completed ballot into a tabulator, the machine that reads and records your votes.

Your ballot is securely stored, and results from early voting are not released until after polls close on Election Day.

Your early vote counts just like a ballot cast on November 3.

Once you’ve submitted your ballot into the tabulator, you’ve voted. You don’t need to return on Election Day.

Where do you go to vote early?

Your early voting site may be different from your regular Election Day polling place.

Some cities and townships operate their own early voting sites, while others share locations with neighboring communities or their county.

You must use an early voting site assigned to your voting jurisdiction.

To find yours:

Visit mi.gov/vote and select Your voter information.

You can look up your assigned early voting site or sites, along with their dates and hours.

You can also contact your city or township clerk if you need help finding the correct location.

What if you’re not registered to vote yet?

It’s not too late to register for the November 3 election!

The October 19 deadline to register online or by mail has passed, but eligible Michigan residents can still register in person at their city or township clerk’s office, with proof of residency, through 8:00 PM on Election Day.

Proof of residency must show your name and current address. Accepted documents include a Michigan driver’s license or state ID, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document. Documents may be shown on paper or electronically.

Important: Early voting sites generally do not offer voter registration.

However, if your assigned early voting site is located at your clerk’s office or an authorized satellite office, you may be able to register there and then vote at the early voting site.

Find your clerk and check registration requirements at mi.gov/vote.

What if you already have an absentee ballot?

You still have options.

If you’ve received an absentee ballot but would rather vote early in person, bring the ballot with you to your assigned early voting site. Election workers can explain how to surrender it and receive a new ballot to vote at the site.

You can also return your completed absentee ballot to your local clerk’s office or an authorized secure drop box.

For voters who want to insert their already-completed absentee ballot directly into a tabulator at an early voting site, check with your clerk or the election workers about the process.

With Election Day approaching, VAAC recommends returning absentee ballots in person instead of mailing them.

For more information, visit Michigan’s official absentee voting guidance.

What if you need an accessible voting option?

Michigan’s early voting sites must provide accessible voting equipment for voters with disabilities.

Voters can request assistance and use a voter assist terminal to mark their ballots privately and independently.

If you have questions about accessible voting or need help planning your visit, contact your local clerk.

You can also reach the Michigan Bureau of Elections’ Ombudsperson for Accessible Elections at 517-335-2730.

Make sure you have the right information

Before heading out, you can use mi.gov/vote to:

• Check your voter registration.
• Find your assigned early voting location and hours.
• Review your sample ballot.
• Find your city or township clerk.
• Look up information about absentee voting.

Michigan’s statewide early voting period begins Saturday, October 24, and runs through Sunday, November 1. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

Whether you choose to vote early in person, return an absentee ballot, or vote on Election Day, knowing your options can help you make a voting plan that works for you.

Learn more about national Vote Early Day and early in-person voting in Michigan.