Michigan
2026 Voting Rights Scorecard
Redistricting Michigan’s voting maps are created by the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. Michigan’s congressional map was last updated in 2022. The Commission is currently in “dormant status” until there is a legal challenge to the current maps or the 2030 redistricting commission is seated. While federal courts required Michigan to redraw certain Detroit-area state legislative (House and Senate) districts in 2023 and 2024, the congressional map adopted in 2022 was not affected and remains in place.
Vote by Mail
CBCF’s scorecard evaluates voting rights and access to the electoral process across 15 states with large Black populations. This fact sheet highlights key laws, policies, and recent developments affecting voting access in Michigan.
Michigan meets all seven of the criteria and has a permanent absentee voter list where any voter can automatically receive absentee ballots for every election. If it is your first time voting in Michigan and you register by mail, you will need to provide identification as part of the registration process.
In-person Early Voting Michigan only requires eight days of early voting for eight hours per day. While they allow municipalities to have more availability, the statewide standard could be more accommodating to working families.
Voter ID Laws Michigan requires voters to provide photo ID to vote in person, but voters without a photo ID can sign an affidavit and vote on a regular ballot. Student IDs and ID cards from other states are permitted, which makes voting easier for college students.
Access to Polling Places Every precinct in Michigan must have at least one polling place, and the polling place must be accessible to people with disabilities. Michigan prohibits a change in polling location or abolition of polling places less than 60 days before an election except in emergency situations.
Disinformation Campaigns In 2023, Michigan passed a law prohibiting the distribution of media that contains false information and is intentionally harmful to the subject’s reputation within 90 days of an election. This legislation helps protect voters in Michigan from political disinformation.
Felon Disenfranchisement In November 2023, Michigan enacted HB 4983, effective June 30, 2025, which automatically registers formerly incarcerated people to vote once they are released from prison. This law cemented Michigan as a leader in the movement to restore voting rights for formerly incarcerated people.
Key
Inclusive voting policies: These states implement policies that protect and uphold the right to vote.
Moderate restrictions on voting: These states have policies that impose limitations on voting rights but maintain notable access for most voters.
Highly restrictive voting policies: These states enforce policies that severely limit voting rights and access.
For more information on voting in Michigan, visit www.vote411.org/michigan Explore the full 2026 Voting Rights Scorecard