Early In-Person Voting

Early Voting dates for 2026

Kool Family Community Center

ElectionEarly Voting Dates
THERE WILL BE NO EARLY VOTING FOR THE MAY 5, 2026 SPECIAL ELECTION
August 4, 2026 State Primary ElectionSaturday, July 25 - Sunday, August 2, 2026  8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
November 3, 2026 State General ElectionSaturday, October 24 - Sunday, November 1, 2026  8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

What is early voting?

In November 2022, Michigan voters approved a Constitutional Amendment that gives voters the right to early in-person voting.

The State Constitution requires Early Voting be held for all Statewide and Federal elections for nine consecutive days before each election, for eight hours each day, starting on the second Saturday before the election and ending the Sunday before.

Early voting allows a voter to cast a ballot before Election Day in an experience similar to voting in a precinct on Election Day. During an early voting period, voters are issued a ballot and can then vote and insert their ballot directly into a tabulator at their Early Voting Center (EVC).  Election Day voting will remain the same, at your current polling place, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on each Election Day.

Where and when can City of Battle Creek voters early vote?

The City of Battle Creek has partnered in an agreement with the City of Springfield, Bedford Charter Township, and Pennfield Charter Township to provide early voting services for their voters together at one location for the 2024 elections:

Kool Family Community Center
200 W. Michigan Ave.
Battle Creek, MI 49017

Registered voters from all other jurisdictions within Calhoun County can vote during the nine-day early voting period for all state and federal elections at the Calhoun County Building, 315 W Green Street, Marshall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How is early voting different from absentee voting?

Both early in-person voting and absentee voting allow voters to vote their ballot before Election Day. However, there are important differences between the two choices in voting.

Absentee VotingEarly In-Person Voting
Absentee Voting allows you to vote your ballot at home or at the City Clerk’s Office.  You then submit your ballot in the signed absentee ballot envelope by mail, in person, or by drop box.  After your absentee ballot is received by the City Clerk’s Office, your absentee ballot is processed and tabulated by the Absent Voter Counting Board on Election Day. 
Please note:  If you apply for and receive an absentee ballot, you may also turn in your completed ballot during early voting.		Early in-person voting is similar to how you would vote at your precinct on Election Day. Early voting is conducted at the Early Voting Center (EVC) where voters are issued a ballot, vote it at the EVC and then insert it into the tabulator, just like at a precinct.  Early voting ballots will be counted after 8 p.m. on Election Day. 
Please note: Once you turn in your early voting ballot or absentee ballot during early voting, you cannot spoil the ballot and vote a new one.