Michigan civic guide
The laws and deadlines that matter when you want to change something in Michigan: how to get public records, how public meetings work, and how to vote.
Your 2026 election
General election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
- Register by
- Online Oct 19 · Mail postmarked Oct 19 · In person at your clerk through 8 p.m. Election Day (proof of residency)
- Same-day registration
- Yes, at your local clerk's office with proof of residency
- Early voting
- Early in-person voting at least Oct 24–Nov 1; in-person absentee at clerk from Sep 24
- Statewide ballot measures
- 2 on the ballot
- Whether to hold a state constitutional convention
- Limit political contributions from some utilities and large state contractors
Titles as listed by official sources. Read the full text and the official summary before you vote.
Public records
Anyone can ask a government agency for copies of its records. You usually don't have to say why.
- Law
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
- Citation
- MCL 15.231 et seq.
- First response deadline
- 5 business days; one extension of up to 10 more business days
Open meetings
Most government boards must meet in public and post notice ahead of time.
- Law
- Open Meetings Act
- Citation
- MCL 15.261 et seq.
Recording conversations
Statute reads all-party, but courts (Sullivan v. Gray) let a participant record; third parties need consent
This is about recording conversations. Recording officials in public is a separate question that courts decide case by case.
More to know
- Pre-registration age (sign up before 18)
- Age 16
- Ballot initiatives
- Yes. Citizens can petition to put new laws and constitutional amendments on the ballot.
What's bugging you in Michigan?
Pick an issue and we'll show you who handles it and help you write to them.
Start on Civic Ladder →Learn the skillsSources
- https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-15-235
- https://justia.com/50-state-surveys/recording-phone-calls-and-conversations
- https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/preregistration-for-young-voters
- https://ballotpedia.org/States_with_initiative_or_referendum
- https://www.michigan.gov/sos/elections/voting/register-to-vote
- https://www.michiganpublic.org/politics-government/2026-09-04/michigans-november-2026-ballot-is-official-includes-two-questions-for-all-voters
General civic information, not legal advice. Laws and deadlines change; confirm with the official office. Election details as researched 2026-10-17.