When Michigan polls open and close for November 2026 Election Day

Michigan's 2026 midterm election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and polling locations will open across the state as voters cast their ballots in a variety of races, including gubernatorial, federal, state Senate and House contests, as well as statewide proposals and municipal races and measures.  

Here's what you need to know about when polls open and close on Election Day. 

What time do Michigan polls open on Election Day? 

Polls open across Michigan at 7 a.m. local time. Most of Michigan is on Eastern Time, but a small portion of the western Upper Peninsula is on Central Time. 

Michigan voters can return their absentee ballots on Election Day at their precinct.

What time do Michigan polls close on Election Day? 

Polls close across Michigan at 8 p.m. local time. Dickinson, Gogebic, Iron and Menominee counties observe Central Time, so polling places in those counties will close an hour later at 9 p.m. ET. 

As long as you are in line by 8 p.m. local time, you have the right to cast your vote. 

What time will Michigan election results come in? 

There is no set time for when the election results will come in. In the past, the first results have trickled in around 8:08 p.m.