Find information about voting dates, polling locations and hours, and voter registration options nationwide at govote.umich.edu
Key Dates (2026)
- State of Michigan Primary Election - August 4, 2026 (early voting July 24-Aug 2)
- National Voter Registration Day - September 15, 2026
- Campus Voting Hub opens at UMMA - October 1, 2026
- Campus Voting Hub open at the Duderstadt Gallery - October 21, 2026
- Early voting in Michigan runs October 24 - November 1, 2026
- Encourage students to be October Voters!
- Check govote.umich.edu for Voting Center locations and hours
- Election Day is Tuesday November 3 (for local, state and U.S. federal elections)
Download UMICH Votes Key Dates flyer for 2026
How to Share Voting Information
University of Michigan students hail from all over the world. All students, 18 years or older, who are U.S. citizens are eligible to vote. They may choose whether they want to register and vote with their local address or with their permanent address in their home district (elsewhere in Michigan or in another state). Voting regulations and timelines vary from state to state. The best way to help students navigate this complicated landscape is to remind students of the opportunity to vote and to refer students to these key resources:
- Share the govote.umich.edu link for key election and voter registration dates, voter registration assistance and FAQs from UMICH Votes, U-M's central voting information resource for all students, regardless of where they hail from.
Special Guidance For Instructors
- Consider Election Day (November 3, 2026) when scheduling exams or other required in-class activities.
- Explore additional civic engagement activities depending on how much time you have available.
- Include a voting-specific syllabus statement, such as:
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"When more people participate in civic life, a broader array of perspectives is represented in policies and laws that impact our country, society, and the world. For many students, civic participation includes voting. You’re eligible to vote in U.S. elections if you’re a U.S. citizen, 18 years old by election day and have residency where you want to vote. For information about voter registration, casting a ballot, and additional resources, visit UMICH Votes at govote.umich.edu"
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What's allowable as a state employee?
Encouraging students to engage in the democratic process is a nonpartisan activity. As a state employee, you can:
- Inform students of the upcoming election
- Share resources for voter registration
- Make students aware of which positions and initiatives will be on the ballot, without endorsing a particular candidate or position
- Encourage international students to research candidates and ballot measures, and to talk with their peers who are eligible to vote
Review U-M Guidelines and FAQs re: political campaigns & ballot initiatives for additional information.
Why encourage students to vote?
Here's one reason of many! Studies show that encouragement from faculty, staff and other students makes a significant difference in student voter registration and turnout (Bennion & Nickerson, 2016). The University of Michigan's Big Ten Voting Challenge and sustained civic engagement efforts across the curriculum continue to make an impact in student voter turnout year over year.
To talk with a Ginsberg staff member on incorporating civic engagement into your courses or research, please complete the Support Request Form or contact us at [email protected].
