Which party controls the state government?
Divided government
Michigan
Michigan elects a new governor on November 3, Benson against James, after a fight over $645M in House budget cuts and federal cuts that put 700K at risk.
Updated October 3, 2026. Every figure is sourced and dated.
- 4
- Michigan guides
- 56
- rules tracked
What November 3 Decided
Results as certified by the Secretary of State. Nothing here is a projection; each office reads "Not yet certified" until the state certifies it.
- Governor Not yet certified Jocelyn Benson (D), John James (R)
Who Runs Michigan
The Legislature meets next on January 13, 2027.
- Governor Gretchen Whitmer Term-limited
- Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II On the ballot for secretary of state
- Attorney General Dana Nessel
- Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson On the ballot for governor
- Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate Winnie Brinks On the ballot for lieutenant governor
- Speaker of the Michigan House Matt Hall
Who Votes in Michigan
An estimated 72.3% of Michigan's adult citizens voted in November 2024, plus or minus 2.9 points, against 65.3% nationwide.
- 10.1 million Residents, July 1, 2024
- 7.8 million Adults 18 and over (estimated)
- 7.5 million Adult citizens (estimated)
- 6.1 million Registered to vote (estimated)
- 5.4 million Voted (estimated)
- 5,664,186 Ballots counted for president
Michigan
United States
- Voted
- Registered, did not vote
- Not registered
Shares of adult citizens. Registered but did not vote: Michigan 8.5%, United States 8.3%. Registered and voted are estimates from the Census Current Population Survey, November 2024 (Table 4a); the margin of error for Michigan's turnout is plus or minus 2.9 points and for its registration 2.5 points. Residents: Census Vintage 2024 estimates. Presidential count: Federal Election Commission, from each state's certified canvass.
Donald Trump carried Michigan by 1.4 points in the certified count, 2,816,636 votes to 2,736,533.
Your Michigan Rules
The answers people look up first, chosen by search demand from our 50-state datasets. Each is dated and links to the source and to every state's answer.
- What is Michigan's minimum wage? $13.73 an hour $12.00 to $14.99
- Is there a cap on how fast assessed home values can rise? The lesser of 5% or inflation Yes, on all property
- How far into pregnancy is abortion legal? No gestational limit Constitutional protection (2022).
- Do you need an ID to vote in person in Michigan? Photo ID requested, with a fallback Without ID: Sign an affidavit and vote a regular ballot.
- Does Michigan tax income, and at what rate? Flat 4.25% Flat rate
- How much notice must a landlord give for unpaid rent? 7 days 5 to 7 days
How Michigan Ranks
Michigan homeowners paid an effective property tax rate of 1.19% of their home's value in 2024, the 14th highest of the 50 states, according to the Tax Foundation.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| New York | 1.3% |
| Pennsylvania | 1.26% |
| Kansas | 1.21% |
| Michigan | 1.19% |
| Rhode Island | 1.12% |
| Massachusetts | 1% |
| Minnesota | 1% |
Michigan and the states ranked nearest it. Source: Tax Foundation, Property Taxes by State and County, 2026. Read September 28, 2026.
Every Michigan Guide
4 guides to Michigan law and politics, each sourced and dated.
Elections and Who Holds Power
Your Money, Work and Home
Health and Safety
Guns, Drugs and Criminal Justice
Michigan Rules at a Glance
56 answers from our 50-state datasets. Each card shows when it was last verified and links to the source and to the Michigan guide or every state's answer.
Rule of Law (2)
Is marijuana legal in the state?
Legal for adults, up to 2.5 ounces
Legal for adults 21 and older
Voting (19)
When is the last day to register for November 3, 2026?
Register through Election Day; in person by Monday, November 2 to skip same-day rules
Can register on Election Day
Who can vote by mail?
Any voter can ask for a ballot
Are guns banned at polling places?
Banned with exceptions
Do you have to prove citizenship to register?
No document required; you attest
Is ranked choice voting used or banned?
No state law, not in use
Who draws the congressional map?
Independent commission
Did the state draw a new congressional map for 2026?
No new map for 2026
Was the state covered by Voting Rights Act preclearance before 2013?
Some counties covered until 2013
Did the 2024 presidential campaigns treat the state as a battleground?
Battleground
Has the state joined the National Popular Vote Compact?
Passed one chamber, not both
How many electoral votes does the state have?
15 electoral votes
10 to 19 electoral votes
Did the state gain or lose House seats after the 2020 census?
Lost 1 seat
Can voters recall state officials?
Yes, by a recall election
Where is the state's guide to running for office?
Ballotpedia, How to run for office in Michigan
Guide available
When did the state ratify the 19th Amendment?
Ratified June 10, 1919
Before Tennessee, 1919-1920
Who can vote in a party primary?
Open
Open: any voter, private choice
Can a person with a felony conviction vote in the state?
Lost only while in prison
Do you need an ID to vote in person in the state?
Photo ID requested, with a fallback
How many people in the state are eligible, registered and voted?
An estimated 72.3% of adult citizens voted in 2024 (plus or minus 2.9 points)
An estimated 70% or more of adult citizens voted
Immigration (1)
Is the state on the Justice Department’s sanctuary list?
Only a city or county is listed
LGBTQ Rights (4)
Is gender-affirming care for minors banned or protected?
No ban, no shield law
Is conversion therapy banned for minors?
No full ban
Must schools tell parents about a student’s gender identity?
No forced-outing law
Does the state constitution still ban same-sex marriage?
Ban still in the constitution, unenforceable
Education (1)
Has the state restricted DEI at public colleges?
No statewide restriction
Healthcare (1)
Has the state expanded Medicaid?
Expanded Medicaid
Economy (8)
What is the state's minimum wage?
$13.73 an hour
$12.00 to $14.99
Can cities set a higher minimum wage?
Blocked by state law
Can cities require paid sick leave?
Blocked by state law
Is the state a right-to-work state?
No right-to-work law
What would the projected Social Security cut cost a retiree in the state?
About $479 a month
Projected cut at depletion
How much of the state's budget comes from federal money?
41.8% federal money
40% or more federal
Does the state tax income, and at what rate?
Flat 4.25%
Flat rate
How high is the property tax on a home in the state?
1.19% of home value, 14th highest of 50
Above the middle (11th to 25th)
Ethics (1)
How much does the state require lobbyists to disclose?
Meaningful spending disclosure
Reproductive Rights (1)
How far into pregnancy is abortion legal?
No gestational limit
Civil Rights (7)
Does the state have the death penalty?
Abolished in 1847
Abolished
How does the state's civil forfeiture law grade?
Grade D-
D range
Has the state passed anti-protest laws since 2017?
Bills filed, none enacted
Does the state constitution name a right to privacy?
No explicit clause
Does the state have a consumer data privacy law?
No comprehensive law
How much support does Christian nationalism have in the state?
33% support
30% to 37%
Did the state ratify the Equal Rights Amendment?
Ratified by the deadline
Housing (5)
Can a landlord refuse a housing voucher?
No. State law protects voucher holders
Does the state ban sleeping outside in public places?
No statewide law identified
How much notice must a landlord give for unpaid rent?
7 days
5 to 7 days
Does the state give homeowners a homestead exemption?
Yes, a statewide program
Yes, a statewide program for most homeowners
Is there a cap on how fast assessed home values can rise?
The lesser of 5% or inflation
Yes, on all property
Gun Safety (6)
Does the state have a red flag law?
Has a red flag law
Can cities pass their own gun laws?
Broad state preemption
Can you openly carry a handgun in the state?
Yes, no permit needed
Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
Permit required
Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
Yes, for all guns
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun?
No waiting period
Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited after signing gun reform, right-to-work repeal, and reproductive rights protections into law during the 2023-2024 Democratic trifecta. Now the state has divided government: Democrats hold the Senate, Republicans control the House. The 2026 governor’s race will decide whether those gains survive.
House Republicans already tried to cut $645 million in state spending without Senate approval. Federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP threaten 700,000 residents. Auto tariffs put 280,000 workers at risk. This page covers each fight and what you can do.
Governor Race
Whitmer’s successor will inherit veto power over a divided legislature, control of state agencies, and the authority to defend or undo the laws passed in 2023 and 2024. Mike Duggan dropped his independent bid on May 21.
In the August 4, 2026 primaries, Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic nomination with 83% and John James won the Republican nomination with 50%, ahead of Perry Johnson at 35%. Her running mate is Winnie Brinks. The full candidate list includes third-party nominees.
The governor’s race, all 110 House seats and all 38 Senate seats are on the November 3 ballot. Republicans hold the House. Democrats hold the Senate. You can register online through October 19, 2026, and in person through Election Day.
The next governor controls veto power and the budget negotiation that decides whether Michigan’s health and education systems survive the federal cuts or absorb them.
Healthcare and Benefits
The federal reconciliation bill would strip health coverage from up to 700,000 Michiganders and cut food assistance for 71,000 households. Michigan has 2.7 million Medicaid recipients, more than 25% of the state population.
The economic damage extends far beyond hospitals. The Commonwealth Fund projects $4.53 billion in GDP loss and 41,500 jobs eliminated statewide.
$4.53 billion projected GDP loss from Medicaid and SNAP cuts in Michigan
”No state can pick up the massive tab the federal government is dropping on us. It’s just not possible.”
Governor Gretchen WhitmerMichigan’s SNAP population is 1.47 million residents, roughly 15% of the state. Over 211,000 households would lose at least $25 per month. The state would absorb up to $800 million per year in new benefit costs and $90 million per year in administrative costs as the state share rises to 75%.
Budget Fight
House Republicans used a rarely invoked provision of the Management and Budget Act to cut $645 million in state spending without Senate approval or public debate. Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an opinion calling the cuts unconstitutional. The Democrat-led Senate voted to restore the funding. House Republicans vowed to sue.
House Republican budget cuts the attorney general called unconstitutional, December 2025
For the 2026-27 budget, House Republicans passed a $76 billion budget in April 2026 with deep cuts to health, environment, and universities. Democrats and Whitmer proposed $800 million in tax increases. Republicans proposed $800 million in cuts they call targeting “waste, fraud, and abuse.”
The legislature missed its October 1 constitutional deadline in 2025, causing a short government shutdown before a deal was reached.
Universities
The House GOP budget would cut state funding to the University of Michigan by $222 million (62%) and to Michigan State by $199 million (62%). Republicans argue the cuts represent less than 2% of each school’s overall budget and point to large endowments.
”These cuts will raise tuition. This budget practically asks students to leave.”
Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor)Federal pressure compounds the state cuts. U-M dismantled its DEI initiative in March 2025 after Trump’s executive order banning federal funding of DEI programs. The university’s $2.16 billion research portfolio includes $1.25 billion in federal funding now at risk.
House Speaker Matt Hall said he is “very disappointed in what the universities are doing” and cited a lack of focus on Michigan high school graduates.
U-M research portfolio $2.16 billion total, $1.25 billion from federal sources
DEI program Dismantled after 8 years following Trump executive order
Lost federal contract Michigan Retirement and Disability Research Center lost its $15 million SSA agreement
Auto Tariffs
Trump’s 25% tariffs on foreign-made vehicles and key parts hit Michigan harder than any other state. The state has 280,000 auto industry workers and 2,200 supplier and tech center facilities. Cross-border trade totals $146 billion annually between Canada and Mexico.
GM, Ford, and Stellantis stocks dropped 5-6% on the tariff announcement. University of Michigan economists project steel and aluminum tariffs alone will cost 2,300 payroll jobs in 2026.
280,000 Michigan auto industry workers affected by 25% tariffs on vehicles and parts
”At the state level, we need to make Michigan more resilient than ever to combat the tariffs, chaos, and cuts coming down from D.C.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, 2025 State of the StateThe EV transition adds a second layer of uncertainty. Michigan has attracted $26.9 billion in private EV manufacturing investment and created 26,800 jobs. But Ford said reversing its EV investments to shift back to gas-powered vehicles would cost $19 billion. Southern states are actively recruiting Michigan automakers and suppliers to build a competing “battery belt.”
Whitmer created a tariff refund assistance program to help businesses seek refunds on Trump tariffs.
What You Can Do in Michigan
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Check your voter registration. Confirm your status at michigan.gov/vote. Michigan has same-day registration, but checking early avoids lines and problems.
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Know who is running for governor. Jocelyn Benson and John James are the major-party nominees. Read each candidate’s position on Medicaid, university funding, and tariff response before you vote on November 3.
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Call your state legislators about the budget. Tell them whether you support the $645 million in cuts or the restoration. Find your legislator at legislature.mi.gov. Name the specific agency you care about.
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Verify your Medicaid and SNAP status. If you receive benefits, keep your contact information current with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at 1-844-799-9876. Do not wait for a letter to arrive.
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Track your university’s state funding. If you are a student, parent, or employee at U-M or MSU, contact your state representative and ask whether they voted for the 62% cut. University boards meet publicly. Show up.
Contact Your Officials
Call your two U.S. senators, the governor's office, or look up your own state legislators.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) 517-373-3400
Your State Legislators
Every address in Michigan sits in one district for each chamber of the Legislature, and each district elects its own member. Enter your address in the Legislature's own lookup to see who represents you.
Find your Michigan legislators
Chamber leaders
- Winnie Brinks, Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate
- Matt Hall, Speaker of the Michigan House
Events
Show Up Locally
IGGR Midterm Election Thank You Celebration
Community Event · Indivisible Greater Grand Rapids
24 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Join us for a pizza and drinks celebration to thank all the volunteers who canvassed, phone banked, supported candidate campaigns, wrote postcards, talked to their friends and neighbors about voting.
Four Silent Marches. ONE Message | Holland | Hosted By: Good Trouble Indivisible
Visibility Event · Indivisible
W 8th St (BETWEEN RIVER & PINE), Holland, MI, 49423
FOUR SILENT MARCHES. ONE MESSAGE is part of Good Trouble Indivisible’s ongoing regional Public Awareness Event Series across West Michigan. GOOD TROUBLE INDIVISIBLE'S , FOUR SILENT MARCHES. ONE.
Stand for Democracy
Rally · Holland Zeeland Indivisible
250 Central Ave, Holland, MI, 49423
Every Saturday in Holland, stand in support of our rights, our democracy, and our community. Bring your signs, your voice, and your family and friends. It's an hour well spent in solidarity! This is.
Show Up, Shout Out, for Democracy
Rally · Indivisible
33299 Five Mile Rd, Livonia, MI, 48154
We are a grass roots group of local residents of the city of Livonia Michigan. We meet for one hour every Saturday from 1 to 2 PM. We meet at the corner of 5 mile and Farmington Roads. We protest the.
Blue Wave Bash: A Celebration Of Our Historic Win!
Community Event · Indivisible: Downriver United 734
2700 Westfield Rd, Trenton, MI, 48183
WE DID THAT, DOWNRIVER. This wasn’t just another election. It was one for the history books. We faced lawsuits aimed at certification, threats against voters, federal monitors at our polls, and every.
Voter Tools
Voter Registration and Resources
Find Federal Representatives Use Congress.gov to confirm your House member and senators. Check Voting Rules Verify state registration rules and deadlines before the next election.
Don't see a letter on your issue? Text RESIST to 50409 to write your own to any official.