20K Detroit absentee ballots are already back. What voters need to know

October 6, 2026

With Election Day approaching in approximately one month, Detroit election officials report that 20,000 out of 101,000 distributed absentee ballots have been returned, representing a 20% return rate that officials view positively. The city provides multiple voting methods for residents, including 38 ballot drop boxes, eight early voting centers, and 158 traditional polling locations, offering more early voting options than other Michigan cities. Detroit voters will decide on major state positions like governor and attorney general, school board seats, and a museum funding proposal.

Who is affected

Detroit residents and absentee voters
Voters with disabilities who have experienced issues with Voter Assist Terminals
Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education candidates (31 candidates for four seats and 3 candidates for one partial term seat)
Candidates running for Michigan governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state Legislature, and congressional seats
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and Detroit Historical Society (subject of millage proposal)
Voters with transportation issues who need ballot pickup assistance

What action is being taken

The Department of Elections is sending out absentee ballots and processing returned ballots
Officials are encouraging residents to use the 38 citywide dropbox locations
The elections office is recommending voters mail ballots by October 19 or use drop boxes
Election teams are being dispatched to polling sites when complaints about Voter Assist Terminals are received
Detroit Votes is encouraging voters to use their preferred voting method

Why it matters

This election is significant because Michigan voters will determine key statewide leadership positions including governor, attorney general, and secretary of state, as well as state Legislature and congressional representatives. Detroit's accessibility initiatives, with more early voting locations than elsewhere in the state, demonstrate efforts to increase voter participation beyond the 21% turnout seen in the August primary. The concerns raised by disabled voters about voting equipment functionality highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring equal access to the voting process for all citizens, which is fundamental to democratic participation.

What's next

Voters should mail absentee ballots no later than October 19
Voters with transportation issues can call the Detroit City Clerk before 5 p.m. on November 1 to request absentee ballot pickup
Detroit will offer 10 days of early voting from October 24 to November 2
Early voting sites will operate 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the first nine days (including weekends)
Early voting on November 2 will take place at two sites from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com