Why is there going to be a special election?
Former state Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2024 general election, vacating her seat in the Michigan Senate in Jan. 2025.
Now, parts of Midland, Bay, and Saginaw counties will hold a special election to fill the vacancy in the state Senate. Current census records show over 260,000 people live within the district.
"This could change who's in control of the [state] Senate. And where that will come into play is that they're going to be deciding on the budget for next year as a voice for their party for 2026. Because you have to remember, this person is only going to be serving for six months."Ann Manary, Midland County clerk
When will special election happen?
There will be two elections to fill the vacant state Senate seat: A primary on Feb. 3, 2026, and a general election on May 5.
Who is running in the race?
Between the two major parties there will be 10 candidates on the primary ballot, four Republicans and six Democrats.
Smaller parties, like the Libertarian Party, have the option to hold conventions and present a candidate before the primary.
You can find more about each individual candidate appearing on primary ballots on our candidate profile page.
How do I know if I can vote in this election?
The only people eligible to vote in this election cycle are those with a legal permanent address within the 35th state Senate District. This includes areas within Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties. Below is a map of the district's boundaries.
All the same election laws in the state of Michigan apply in the special election. Voters must be 18 by election day and not be actively incarcerated.
To find out if you are eligible to vote in this special election, or to find your specific polling location, you can head to the Michigan Voter Information website.
Learn where you can vote by following the links below:
How can I register to vote or check my registration status?
Voter registration is open 15 days before the election through postmarked mail, your local Secretary of State office, or the state's online portal.
In-person registration is open at your local county clerk's office until 8 p.m. on election day. If there are 14 days or less until the election this is the only option to submit a voter registration without doing so at the polling location on election day.
Voter registration records are available online through the Secretary of State. There, you can:
- Register to vote (15+ days before election)
- Check if you are already registered
- Update the address on your registration
If you choose to register to vote in person (on election day or otherwise) you must have at least one of the following on hand:
- A drivers license
- A form of photo ID, including: government issued, school, military, or tribal
- A utility bill, paystub, insurance documents, or bank statement with proof of address clearly stated
- Any form of government documentation with your address clearly stated
You may need to update your voter registration if:
- You have recently moved into the district or your address has changed
- You have recently changed your name
Michigan does not have closed primaries, meaning party affiliation has no bearing on voter registration.
"Maybe you're thinking 'I care about this issue or this issue. Maybe I want to do some research on this ballot proposal prior to voting.' You can do all of that from your phone now. The only thing you can't do from your phone is the physical act of voting and turning in your ballot.Kathleen Zanotti, Bay County clerk
Can I vote by mail?
Yes. Mail-in ballots, also known as absentee ballots, are votes sent through the mail before election day. In Michigan, absentee ballots are available for request online until 5 p.m. the Friday before the election. They are also available in-person at your county clerk's office until 4 p.m. the day before the election.
If you request an absentee ballot in-person within 14 days of the election you will be required to fill the form and return it at the time of application.
Michigan does not require people seeking absentee ballots to have a specific reason for the request. However, the Secretary of State office highly recommends these ballots to be requested and returned at least two weeks before election day to ensure the ballot is returned on time.
More information on absentee ballot requests can be found on the Michigan Secretary of State website.
If you receive an absentee ballot application in the mail even though to did not request one, do not panic. These applications are usually sent through third-party organizations to encourage voting and are legal in the state of Michigan. You can find out more about these applications here.
Can I participate in early, in-person voting?
In 2022, Michigan residents voted to require early in-person voting for all statewide and federal elections. Since this special election is regional, the choice to hold early in-person polling locations left up to the counties.
Of the three counties included in this special election, only Saginaw County will be holding early in-person polling.
According to Midland County Clerk Ann Manary, her county is choosing to forgo holding in-person early voting due to construction taking place at Grace A. Dow Public Library.
"There’s a combination of reasons why we are not offering early voting; It’s not required, it is a tremendous cost, and we are currently contracted with our 18 local jurisdictions to be the county early voting coordinator and our agreement does not include special elections.Kathleen Zanotti, Bay County clerk
How secure is absentee and early in-person voting?
The Secretary of State office says that all forms of early voting are safe and secure. The state has taken multiple safeguards to ensure that each person's vote is private, singular and counted.
Some of these measures include:
- Early in-person voter check-ins to make sure each voter is registered and doesn't have a current vote on file
- Checking each absentee ballot for inconsistencies in signature, and following up with the voter if anything is amiss
- Invalidating outstanding absentee ballots if the voter also attends an in-person voting location
- Early in-person locations are run as a regular polling location with secure ballot boxes to protect votes
- Results of early voting are not released until final polls close
"People get concerned about absentee balloting, but it is one of the most check and balance processes we have in the state of Michigan. We have some of the best election laws in the country. People from other states come to us and use them for their own because we have such tight security on our process."Ann Manary, Midland County clerk
Do I need my photo ID to vote?
Can I vote in Michigan if I have a misdemeanor or felony?
Yes. If you have a criminal record but are not currently in jail or prison you are eligible to vote in Michigan. In 2023, the state became the first in the nation to automatically restore voting rights after being released from custody. This also includes anyone on probation, parole, or a tether.
People awaiting arraignment, trial, or sentencing on election day also have the right to cast their vote, even if they are currently in jail.
Can I vote if I don't have a permanent address?
Yes. If you currently have no permanent address you still have the right to vote.
Some addresses eligible to place on a voter registration form when you have no other option include:
- The address of a friend or family member, as long as they are willing to accept your mail
- A place regularly stayed, such as a hotel or church
- A local advocacy/outreach center
- A local homeless shelter
- A street corner
- A park
More information on voting without a permanent address can be found through the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness.
Is my job required to give me time off to vote on election day?
No. Michigan law does not require employers to give time off, paid or otherwise, to vote. If your place of employment doesn't have an election policy and you are unable to go to the polls on election day you can either apply for an absentee ballot or use an early polling location if applicable.
Other important voting information
Michigan law does not allow voters to wear political apparel at the polls, including but not limited to: clothing, buttons, hats, and stickers.
"If there's somebody in the parking lot campaigning and they're 100 ft. away from the building and you get approached, if you're not interested they need to respect that. If they don't, the very first thing you should do is notify the precinct workers."Ann Manary, Midland County clerk
Voter intimidation is illegal. Poll watchers and challengers inside the polling location are not allowed to speak to voters in Michigan. Anyone who experiences intimidation should report the infraction to an election worker inside of the polling location or call the Secretary of State's office at 1(866) 687-8683. Examples of violations include voter intimidation, harassment, and coercion.
