LANSING, MI — Michigan voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, for the state’s primary election, selecting party nominees for numerous federal, state and local offices that will appear on the November General Election ballot.

The August primary includes races for Governor, Congress, the Michigan Legislature, judicial offices, county and local government positions, along with several nonpartisan contests in communities across the state. Depending on where they live, voters may also see local millages or ballot proposals.

Michigan’s election laws provide several ways for eligible registered voters to cast a ballot, including voting by absentee ballot, early in-person voting and traditional Election Day voting.

For readers served by La Prensa Latina News Wire throughout Detroit, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Ypsilanti and surrounding communities, understanding the available voting options and knowing what offices are on the ballot can help make the voting process smoother.

Registering to Vote

While the deadline to register online or by mail has passed for the Aug. 4 primary, eligible Michigan residents may still register in person at their city or township clerk’s office through Election Day by providing proof of residency.

Michigan residents who are unsure of their registration status may verify their information, locate their polling place and view a sample ballot through the Michigan Voter Information Center maintained by the Michigan Department of State.

Absentee Voting Remains Available

Michigan law allows any registered voter to request and vote using an absentee ballot without providing a reason.

Absentee ballots may be:

• Requested through the local city or township clerk.
• Mailed directly to the voter.
• Returned by mail.
• Returned in person to the clerk’s office.
• Deposited in an official absentee ballot drop box before the applicable deadline.

Election officials recommend allowing adequate mailing time if returning ballots through the U.S. Postal Service.

Early In-Person Voting

Michigan’s constitutional early voting period for the Aug. 4 primary runs from Saturday, July 25, through Sunday, Aug. 2.

During early voting, voters complete the same process used on Election Day. After checking in with election workers, voters receive their ballot, mark it privately and feed it into a tabulator before leaving the voting site.

Many counties operate regional early voting centers shared by multiple municipalities. Voters should confirm their assigned early voting location before arriving.

Communities regularly covered by La Prensa Latina News Wire include:

• Detroit
• Ypsilanti
• Flint
• Saginaw
• Lansing
• Grand Rapids
• Kalamazoo

Local clerk offices and the Michigan Voter Information Center provide the most current information regarding early voting locations and hours.

Election Day

Polling places across Michigan will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4.

State law provides that any voter who is in line by 8 p.m. is entitled to cast a ballot.

Latino Candidates Appearing on Michigan Ballots

Michigan continues to see Latino representation in races across the state. Among candidates appearing in 2026 elections are:

Federal

• John Paul Torres — U.S. House of Representatives, 11th Congressional District

Michigan Senate

• Darrin Camilleri — 4th Senate District
• Mary Cavanagh — 6th Senate District
• Robert Orlando Peña — 28th Senate District
• Ivan Diaz — 29th Senate District

Michigan House of Representatives

• Zacharia Ortiz — 2nd House District
• Veronica Paiz — 10th House District
• Cindy Ramirez — 83rd House District
• Luke Del Castillo — 92nd House District

Judicial

• Richard Garcia — Ingham County Probate Judge
• Cheryl A. Lopez — Candidate for 67th District Court Judge

Local Offices

• Roger Rosalez — Bridgeport Township Treasurer
• Ramiro Garcia — Lansing School Board
• Gloria Lara — Walker City Commission, Ward 1

November General Election (No August Primary)

The following municipal races are nonpartisan and will appear on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot, rather than the Aug. 4 primary:

• Felipe Soria — Ecorse City Council (No Primary)
• Belda Garza — Lincoln Park City Council (No Primary)
• Carlos Salcido — Lincoln Park City Council (No Primary)

Editor’s Note: La Prensa Latina News Wire continues to monitor candidate filings throughout Michigan. If readers know of additional Hispanic or Latino candidates seeking public office, they are encouraged to contact the newsroom so those races can be considered for future election coverage.

Finding Election Information

The Michigan Department of State provides online resources allowing voters to:

• Verify voter registration.
• View a sample ballot.
• Locate their polling place.
• Find their assigned early voting site.
• Track an absentee ballot.
• Obtain contact information for local election officials.

Because ballots vary by jurisdiction, voters are encouraged to review their sample ballot before voting to become familiar with the offices and proposals that will appear in their community.

As the Aug. 4 primary approaches, election officials continue preparing polling places, processing absentee ballots and operating early voting sites across Michigan in advance of Election Day.