It’s officially the year of a presidential election in the U.S. Michigan voters will take to the polls this month to cast their vote for their desired candidate for the general election this fall.
Some communities will also hold races for local issues and millages in the primary election on Tuesday, Feb. 27.
Here’s what to know about Michigan’s 2024 primary election and how you can vote in it.
🗳️ Michigan Voter Guide for the February 2024 primary election:
United States presidential race
The list of candidates running for president in 2024 shortened significantly as primary elections got underway this year. Some candidates who dropped out may still appear on the ballot in Michigan, but here are the candidates who are still in the running:
Democratic Party
- Joe Biden (incumbent)
- Dean Phillips
Republican Party
- Ryan Binkley
- Nikki Haley
- Donald Trump (Republican frontrunner)
Michigan voters will only be allowed vote on one side, for one party’s candidate, in the primary election. Michigan voters are not required to register by their party affiliation.
Local races
Specific local races, such as millage proposals, are being held in several communities across Michigan, and will appear on the ballot in the primary election.
To see what races are happening in your specific community, view a sample of your specific ballot on the state’s website here.
How to vote
Early voting
Michigan voters can vote in person at their local precinct anytime from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27.
Early in-person voting will be an option for Michigan voters, and will begin for all communities no later than Feb. 17 -- though local clerks’ offices are allowed to begin offering early voting weeks before Election Day. Early voting ends everywhere on Feb. 25. Be sure to check with your local clerk’s office for early voting details in your area.
Absentee voting (vote-by-mail)
Those who choose to vote absentee will receive their ballots in the mail. Completed ballots can be mailed to your local clerk, or dropped off at a secure drop box location in your community. The deadline to mail your completed absent voter ballot is Feb. 23.
Registering to vote
Not yet registered to vote? You have until Monday, Feb. 12 to register to vote online or by mail in order to vote in the primary election. You can, however, register to vote in person anytime before the election, and even on Election Day.
If you move to a new city or township, you must re-register to vote. If you move within a city or township and are already registered to vote, you only need to update your address with the city/township clerk.
If you have a valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID you can use the online form to register to vote, or update your voter registration address in Michigan.
Once you’re officially registered to vote in Michigan, you will be assigned a physical polling location at which you can vote on Election Day.