Get Out The Vote
Why Civic Engagement Matters
Even though Michigan ranks third nationally for voter turnout, 25.4% of the eligible voting population did not cast a ballot in the previous 2024 general election, according to the Michigan Secretary of State. A 2020 survey from the Associated Press found that non-voters are typically younger, do not have a college education, are lower-income, and belong to a minority group.
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Increasingly, health groups like the American Medical Association have recognized voting as a social determinant of health, or a nonmedical factor that influences a person’s wellness. Decreased access to voting has been associated with worse health outcomes and increased exposure to environmental hazards, and as the New England Journal of Medicine explains, this is a self-perpetuating cycle – given that decreased political representation for vulnerable populations only further promotes poorer environmental conditions and adverse health impacts.
Resources for Health Practitioners
Nonpartisan voter registration within healthcare institutions is supported by the Association of American Medical Colleges as an effective way to advance health equity. Around 72 million eligible Americans were not registered to vote in 2024, and 62% of unregistered eligible voters say they've never been asked.
With 85% of adults in the U.S. visiting a healthcare professional each year, healthcare settings present a unique opportunity to encourage people to engage civically. Additionally, nurses rank no. 1 among the "most trusted" professionals, with medical doctors also high up on the list, which makes health professionals powerful messengers for voting. Vot-ER offers nonpartisan resources on voter registration geared toward healthcare professionals in patient-facing roles, healthcare administrators, and medical students.
What You Can Do
You can REQUEST A FREE BADGE that can go on your lanyard, which includes a QR code that directs patients to a nonpartisan voter registration platform. MiCCA also has free "Vote For Health" buttons that you can request by contacting lisa@michigancca.com.
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Along with your badge or pin, you can DOWNLOAD FREE CONVERSATION STARTERS (in English and Spanish). Vot-ER encourages this as a standard conversation starter: "Before you go, I want to make sure you have what you need to register to vote. Want to check your voter registration? It only takes a few seconds!” The guide also has follow-up suggestions for skeptical individuals, young voters, frequent voters, and what to say to people who may not be eligible to vote.​
​Ask your friends, family members, colleagues, and patients, "what's your plan to vote this year?" Election Days can creep up quickly, and even registered voters can miss deadlines requesting absentee ballots or early voting opportunities. That's why planning ahead - confirming your district, registration status, checking your polling location, and putting your voting plan on the calendar - is integral!​​
Voting In Michigan
Michigan Voting Requirements
To register to vote in Michigan, you must be:
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A U.S. citizen
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At least 16 years old to pre-register and at least 17.5 years old to register (must be 18 years old by Election Day to vote)
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A Michigan resident for at least 30 days by Election Day
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Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison
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You can register to vote 15+ days before an election online, by mail, or in person.
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Within 14 days of an election and on Election Day, you can only register in person by visiting your local clerk’s office with proof of residency documentation ​​
Key Deadlines & Information
Mark your calendar: ​
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The primary election in Michigan is on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026
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The general election in Michigan is on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026
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​Online and mail requests for an absentee ballot must be received by your township or city clerk no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before Election Day. Your completed absentee ballot must be received by your city or township clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day.​​​
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Early in-person voting is available in all jurisdictions statewide and federal elections for 9 days starting with the second Saturday before an election and ending on the Sunday before Election Day.
What's on the ballot in 2026?
The 2026 midterms in Michigan will be a significant election year, as the seat for our governor, attorney general, and secretary of state are up for re-election. Not only does the governor hold veto power of state laws and set the policy priorities for Michigan, they are also charged with appointing the state department heads and members of state ​commissions.​
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All 13 congressional seats and one of Michigan's two U.S. Senate positions are open, as well as two Michigan Supreme Court seats.
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In our state legislature, all 110 state House and 38 state Senate seats are up for re-election. In addition to ​potential ballot questions, voters will decide whether to rewrite the Michigan Constitution.
MiCCA's 2026 Election Calendar
If you're organizing a nonpartisan civic event and/or looking for volunteers, please submit the form below to be displayed on our 2026 Election Calendar. Potential events we'll include on our calendar include candidate forums, voter registration drives, ballot signature collections, and more events that are 501(c)(3) compliant. Please contact teresa@michigancca.com for any questions.
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March 2026