Plan to vote: Early voting and absentee ballots offer flexibility for farmers

With a full slate of state and federal offices on the ballot in 2026, Michigan Farm Bureau is encouraging members to make a plan to vote early or absentee to ensure their voices are heard.

While midterm elections have historically drawn lower turnout than presidential elections, recent data shows more voters are taking advantage of flexible voting options. According to the Secretary of State, Michigan recorded back-to-back record midterm turnout in 2018 and 2022, and in 2024, more than 60% of voters cast their ballots before Election Day through absentee voting or early in-person voting.

“We want our members to let their voices be heard by participating in the democratic process,” said Matt Kapp, Michigan Farm Bureau’s elections expert. “The decisions made in Lansing and Washington directly impact our ability to produce food, fiber and fuel, operate successful businesses, and strengthen our local communities.”

He added that the 2026 election cycle will bring significant change at nearly every level of government, with numerous open seats and several long-serving lawmakers stepping aside. 

“The months ahead will help shape the policy environment our farms and agribusinesses will operate in for years to come so getting the agricultural voice to the ballot box is what matters most,” Kapp emphasized.

It’s easy—really, easy 

Michigan voters now have more opportunities than ever to cast their ballots. 

1. In-person early voting. Every community offers at least nine consecutive days of early, in-person voting for state and federal elections, giving voters more flexibility to vote when it’s most convenient. 
2. Absentee ballots. Voters can request an absentee ballot (no reason necessary!). If you’re already on the permanent absentee voter list, ballots could begin arriving as early as the end of June. If you’re new to absentee voting, be prepared to request and return your ballot as early as possible to allow time for mailing and processing. 
3. On Election Day. Voters can vote in-person at their assigned polling location from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. statewide. 

You can check your registration status, find your local clerk, review early voting options, and access other resources at michigan.gov/vote.  

If it’s your first time voting, eligible residents may register online, by mail, or in person up to 15 days before an election. Within 14 days of an election voters must register in person at their local clerk’s office and provide proof of residency.

Farm-friendly candidates

Michigan Farm Bureau also encourages members to review the organization’s 2026 Friends of Agriculture before casting their ballots.

“The candidates we’ve endorsed were vetted by county Farm Bureau members and selected for their willingness to listen, learn, and work with agriculture in ways that keep Michigan’s farm and agribusiness community viable and successful,” Kapp said.

During the 2026 election cycle, Michigan voters will select candidates for governor and lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, one U.S. Senate seat, all 13 U.S. House seats, the Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan Court of Appeals, two Michigan State University Board of Trustees seats, all 38 Michigan Senate seats, and all 110 Michigan House of Representatives seats.

Support Friends of Agriculture

AgriPac helps elect candidates who listen to farmers and advocate for Michigan agriculture. Your support helps advance bipartisan, common-sense, science-based policy shaped by real input from farm families and businesses.

Contributions in any amount are accepted online or can be sent to: AgriPac, 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917. Personal checks can be made out to MFB AgriPac and farm or business checks can be made out to MFB FarmPac.