Michigan primary elections 2024: Key dates, candidates, and voting procedures explained

Michigan voters will have a busy year ahead with multiple election dates lined up for 2024. Here’s a breakdown of the key dates, candidates, and voting procedures to keep in mind.

Michigan’s election calendar for 2024 features three statewide elections:

1. Feb. 27 – Presidential Primary
2. Aug. 6 – State Primary
3. Nov. 5 – General Election

Additionally, some voters may encounter special elections and local elections on May 7, although the specific counties involved have yet to be determined.

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The race to fill the open Senate seat previously held by Democrat Debbie Stabenow, who announced her decision not to seek re-election, will be a focal point in the August primary. The candidate lineup includes five Democrats and 12 Republicans, with notable names like U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, and former Detroit police chief James Craig in the running.

Michigan’s election process has seen several changes, including the introduction of early voting, a shift in the presidential primary date to February 27, and the implementation of absentee ballot tracking. These changes aim to enhance accessibility, streamline procedures, and bolster election security.

Early in-person voting allows voters to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day, providing greater flexibility and convenience. Absentee ballot tracking enables voters to monitor the status of their ballots, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.

Furthermore, the introduction of permanent absentee voting allows voters to opt for mail-in voting across multiple election cycles with a single application, simplifying the process and promoting voter engagement.

Other notable reforms include the pre-registration of 16 and 17-year-olds, election certification guardrails aligning with federal standards, protections against deep fakes in political campaigning, and extended deadlines for military votes to count.

Also read | Michigan Supreme Court clears path for Donald Trump on state’s primary ballot

Overall, Michigan’s primary elections in 2024 promise to be dynamic and consequential, with a diverse array of candidates vying for office and a revamped electoral landscape designed to accommodate the evolving needs of voters.