The 2026 general election holds significant importance as it will determine the direction of policies impacting health care, education, reproductive health, economic development, and civil rights among many other critical issues. Communities across the country are looking for ways to ensure their voices are heard amid these pivotal decisions.

Voters will have the critical task of deciding on a range of fundamental issues that encompass both national and local concerns. Nationally- Voters will cast their ballots for members of Congress, including Senators and House Representatives. Key issues likely to be at the forefront include economic stability, healthcare reform, education, immigration, government transparency, homeland security, foreign policy and more.Statewide- Voters will be deciding on state and municipal leadership, which often includes State House District Representatives, State Senators, Judges and School Board Members. Voters may also decide specific ballot measures that could address education funding, public safety reforms, and infrastructure projects. These decisions will shape the legislative agenda and priorities for the coming years, making it crucial for voters to stay informed and engaged in the electoral process.

To be eligible to vote, you must be:A Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote)A United States citizenAt least 18 years of age (when you vote)Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prisonYou can register when you are 17.5 years old, but you can’t vote until you’re 18.PROOF OF RESIDENCY: If you register within 14 days of Election Day, you must show proof of where you live. You can show a digital copy of documents. Acceptable documents include:Michigan driver’s license or state IDCurrent utility billBank statementPaycheck or government checkOther government document

BY ABSENTEE BALLOT: This is the easiest way to vote! You can apply for an absentee ballot and vote in person at your local clerk's office right away, or you can return it by mail or at a dropbox at your clerk’s office by 8PM on Election Day. If you are returning your ballot within two weeks of election day, we recommend hand-delivering your ballot to avoid possible postal delays.EARLY IN PERSON: You can start voting early in person starting October 24th at designated early voting sitesIN PERSON: Polls open on Election Day, November 3rd from 7am to 8pm. You can obtain your absentee ballot, find your dropbox, find your early voting site location and look up your polling place at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/

By law, the Michigan Secretary of State must provide in-language voting resources for citizens to use. These resources include sample ballots, translated website information, and more. Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act requires equal access to voting for people with limited English, as determined by the census. In the city of Hamtramck, for example, ballots in Bangla must be available to the significant Bangladeshi community in that area. Languages served include Arabic, Mandarin, Bengali, Korean, Vietnamese, Russian, French, Amharic, Somali and Russian. You can find language resources at: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/language-servicesMichigan law also allows for non-English speaking voters to bring a friend along to the polling booth who can help translate the ballot, excepting their employer or union representative.

At the polls, you will be asked to show current photo ID to vote in Michigan.Acceptable forms include:Michigan driver's license or state ID cardcurrent (non-expired) driver's license or personal ID card issued by another statefederal or state government-issued photo IDUS passportmilitary ID card with a photostudent ID with a photo from a high school or an accredited institution of higher educationtribal ID card with a photoNo photo ID? You can still vote! If you are unable to provide ID, you can vote like any other voter by signing an affidavit. The poll workers are then required to allow you to vote.

SEPTEMBER 24: First day that you can vote in person, with an absentee ballot, at your city or township clerk’s office. OCTOBER 19: Last day to register to vote online or by mail (starting October 20, you’ll need to register in person at your city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency). OCTOBER 20: For most voters the last day to drop your ballot in the mail (starting October 21, we recommend returning your ballot in person to your city or township clerk’s office or satellite office, or to a secure drop box provided by your clerk). OCTOBER 24: First day of the mandatory early voting period. NOVEMBER 1: Last day of the mandatory early voting period. NOVEMBER 2 at 4 p.m.: Deadline to vote in person, with an absentee ballot, at your city or township clerk’s office if you’re registered to vote where you live (after today at 4 p.m., you must vote at your polling place on Election Day). NOVEMBER 3: Election Day! Polls are open 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. local time. If you need to register to vote, you can register and then vote at your city or township clerk’s office until 8 p.m.

On Election Day, poll monitors will be in place to ensure that voters have access to their ballots without intimidation or obstruction. If you encounter difficulties in voting (harassment, lack of language access materials, lack of disability access, inappropriate electioneering, etc.) those problems should be reported, challenged and documented.ELECTION PROTECTION is a national nonpartisan coalition that provides legal assistance at all stages of voting, from registration to casting a ballot at the polls. Problems with voting access and/or intimidation at the polls should be reported to their national hotline, 866-OUR-VOTE.Non English-speaking Asian American voters can call the 888-API-VOTE to report issues as well. BECOME A POLL CHALLENGER! Rising Voices also provides volunteers to act as poll challengers on Election Day at precincts across Michigan. Poll challengers play an important role in helping ensure elections are safe, free, fair and transparent by observing the voting process, monitoring election procedures and advocating for voters who may be at risk of disenfranchisement. Volunteers are trained and assigned to polls with Rising Voices staff support. This is a great way to help ensure your community members are able to exercise their right to vote without difficulty. To join us, go to bit.ly/RVPCNovember