Michigan Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Move Primary Election Date to May

Michigan Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Move Primary Election Date to May

The Michigan Senate passed a bipartisan bill package on March 19 that would shift the state's primary election date from August to May beginning in 2028, providing election administrators with more time to prepare for increasingly complex election cycles.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) spearheaded the legislation, which includes Senate Bills 691 through 698. The bill would also move Michigan's regular general election date from May to the fourth Tuesday in February, aligning with the presidential primary schedule.

The Timeline Problem

Currently, Michigan holds its primary election in August, followed by just under 100 days before the November general election. Election officials say this compressed timeline has become nearly impossible to manage as election administration becomes more complex.

"We have less than 100 days until the November general election after the primary in August," Singh said. "That's a narrow window in which clerks need to test voting equipment, finalize ballot information, complete canvass certification, and more."

Kimberly Hinkley, president of the Michigan Association of County Clerks and a clerk/register for Calhoun County, emphasized the growing pressure on election administrators.

"Election Day preparations are now further intensified by the requirement of a minimum of nine days of early voting, followed by the obligation to canvass results within a strict 14-day window," Hinkley said. "All of this occurs while simultaneously preparing for upcoming elections, potential recounts, and post-election audits."

Bipartisan Support

The bill package received support from both parties in the Senate. Cosponsors include Sens. Paul Wojno (D-Warren), Ed McBroom (R-Waucedah Twp.), Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), and Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia).

Singh noted that the legislation would bring Michigan in line with 11 other states that hold their state primary elections in May, including two Midwest neighbors — Ohio and Indiana.

What the Changes Would Mean

Under the proposed legislation:

• The state primary election would move from August to May
• The general election would move from November to the fourth Tuesday in February
• This would give clerks significantly more time between elections to complete all required statutory deadlines

"The once more manageable period between the August primary and the November general election has been replaced by a significantly faster-paced and more demanding election cycle," Hinkley continued. "In this evolving environment, maintaining the integrity, security, and safety of elections must remain the top priority."

Additional Election Reform

The Senate also passed additional legislation that would work alongside these timing changes. Senate Bills 814 through 815, sponsored by Sens. Singh and Jeremy Moss (D-Bloomfield), would move the deadline for personal financial disclosure filings earlier, giving voters more time to review candidate information before primary elections.

These bills now head to the House for further consideration.

Clerk Support

Election administrators have been advocating for these changes for years. Lisa Lawitzke, president of the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks and clerk for Bellevue Twp., said clerks simply needed more time between the primary and general elections.

"Clerks around the state are dedicated to meeting every statutory deadline required of them, and they have worked tirelessly to do so," Lawitzke said. "However, the timing between the August primary and November general election compresses too many legally required steps into too little time."

Next Steps

The bill package now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. If passed by the House and signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the changes would take effect in 2028.

The legislation represents a significant shift in how Michigan conducts its elections and reflects growing recognition of the challenges facing election administrators as voting technology becomes more sophisticated and election administration requirements become more complex.