Voting Safely in Michigan’s 2026 General Election
On November 3, 2026, Michigan voters will have the opportunity to make their voices heard in elections for state, federal, and local offices, as well as ballot proposals. For University of Michigan faculty, staff, and students who are eligible to vote, participating in an election is a meaningful way to help shape the future of their communities and the state.
“Elections are a cornerstone of democracy, but election season can also bring anxiety and uncertainty,” said Executive Director Rick Arnold. At the Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS), our top priority is the safety and security of our campus community before, during and after Election Day.”
Knowing how to prepare, what to expect, and where to turn for assistance can help. Review the important reminders and resources below.
What should I know before voting?
Before you vote, review your registration status, voting options, and the location where you are eligible to cast your ballot. Your voting location depends on your registered voting address—not simply where you work or attend classes.
UMICH Votes provides voting information for the university community, including guidance on registration, absentee voting, early voting, and available campus voting resources. The Michigan Department of State and your local clerk are also important sources of information on election requirements, deadlines, hours, and locations.
On Election Day, make a plan and allow enough time to complete the process.
What Michigan laws help protect a safe voting experience?
Voters and election workers should be able to participate in the election process without threats, intimidation, or interference.
Activities that may violate Michigan law include:
- Intimidating or threatening election officials to interfere with their duties.
- Attempting to intimidate a voter or prevent an eligible person from voting.
- Disrupting voting or interfering with operations at a voting location.
Follow election workers’ instructions and respect other voters’ space and privacy. If you experience or witness intimidation or interference, notify an election official.
What should I know about identification, clothing and phone use?
Understanding voting requirements and polling-place rules can help prevent confusion.
Photo identification
- Michigan voters are asked to present an acceptable photo ID when voting in person. Eligible voters who do not have acceptable photo ID can still vote by signing an affidavit.
- If you wear a mask, scarf, hijab, or another face covering and have questions about identification procedures, ask an election worker for assistance.
Campaign clothing and materials
- Michigan restricts campaigning inside polling places and within 100 feet of a polling-place entrance. These restrictions include displaying clothing, buttons, stickers, or other materials that support or oppose candidates or ballot proposals.
- Plan your clothing and accessories accordingly when voting in person.
Notes and phones
- You may bring notes to help you complete your ballot.
- If you plan to use your phone to review notes, consult current Michigan Department of State guidance and follow election workers’ instructions about device use, photography, and voter privacy.
What should I do if I experience voter intimidation or another problem?
- If an issue arises at a voting location, notify an election worker immediately. Reporting concerns helps election officials address the situation and protect other voters.
- If you need public safety assistance on the Ann Arbor campus, contact DPSS at 734-763-1131 or text 911. For emergencies or immediate threats, call 911.
- Faculty, staff, and students on the Dearborn and Flint campuses should use their campus public safety contacts for nonemergency assistance. At off-campus voting locations, election workers can help identify the appropriate local authorities.
What is DPSS’s role during the election?
DPSS’s role is to support campus safety and respond to public safety concerns. Election officials oversee voting procedures and polling-place operations.
The goal is a campus environment where eligible voters can exercise their right to vote safely and without intimidation or interference. For questions about voting procedures, contact an election official or your local clerk. For campus safety concerns, contact your campus public safety department.
What should I do if I feel unsafe or observe concerning behavior?
- Notify an election official if you observe threats, harassment, intimidation or behavior that disrupts voting.
- When reporting a concern, describe the specific behavior and location so responders can assess the situation. A person’s appearance, identity, political views or mere presence at a voting location does not, by itself, indicate a safety threat.
- For public safety assistance on the Ann Arbor campus, call 734-763-1131 or text 911. For an emergency, call 911.
Resources before, during and after Election Day
Election season can be stressful. Staying informed, planning ahead, and making time for your mental and physical well-being can help. U-M faculty, staff and students can consult:
- UMICH Votes: Voting and registration information for the university community.
- Michigan Department of State: Official election information and guidance.
- Your local clerk: Information about your registration, ballot, voting location, and voting hours.
- U-M Well-Being Collective: Resources supporting personal and community well-being.
- DPSS Safety Services: Campus safety information and assistance.
Being prepared, respecting others, and reporting concerns promptly can help support a safe and welcoming election experience.