Michigan Senate committee approves moving state primary election to 2028.

The Michigan Senate committee has approved a plan to move the states regular primary election from August to May starting in 2028, aiming to give voters and candidates more time before the November general election in this key battleground state.

The Michigan state Senate's Elections and Ethics Committee has voted to advance a legislative proposal that would move the state’s regular primary election from August to May, starting in 2028. The proposal aims to adjust the electoral calendar in a state recognized as a critical battleground in national elections.

Current Primary Schedule

Under current Michigan law, the regular primary election takes place on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in August. This election determines party nominees for positions including governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and state legislative offices. The Senate's proposal would move the election three months earlier, to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May.

Legislation Package Details

The proposal is part of a 10-bill package and includes the following main provisions:

• Elimination of the August primary date starting in 2028.
• Rescheduling the regular primary to May, three months ahead of the current timing.
• Designating the February presidential primary, held every four years, as a regular election date.

Senate Committee Approval

The Senate Elections and Ethics Committee, chaired by Sen. Jeremy Moss, D-Bloomfield Township, approved the primary shift with a 5-1 vote. The full Senate, currently under Democratic control, is scheduled to consider the legislation next. Sen. Moss noted that recent election law changes, including no-reason absentee voting and in-person early voting, have made the August schedule challenging. He explained that the current August primary creates a compressed period between its conclusion and preparation for the November general election.

Legislative Process and Potential Bipartisan Support

For the legislation to become law, it must pass both the Senate and the Republican-controlled House before reaching Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk. Some House Republicans have expressed interest in supporting the bill. Sen. Moss highlighted that the proposal could attract bipartisan backing because it is designed to improve election administration and scheduling.

Political Consultant Reactions

Republican political consultant Jamie Roe from Macomb County voiced support for the May primary. Roe indicated that moving the primary could:

• Boost voter turnout by avoiding conflicts with summer vacation.
• Provide candidates more time to campaign effectively before the general election.
• Extend the general election season by three months while slightly shortening the primary period.

Roe added that the change allows candidates additional time to plan for the fall election season.

Committee Opposition and Concerns

Opposition came from Sen. Ruth Johnson, R-Holly, who questioned making the February presidential primary a regular election date, citing potential conflicts with property tax millage votes and anticipated low turnout in winter months. Another Republican committee member, Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, voted in favor alongside the Democrats.

Election Officials’ Perspective

Lansing Clerk Chris Swope noted that some election officials are concerned about the February date. School organizations also raised issues about the Michigan Department of Treasury’s ability to process tax-related millage proposals if limited to May. Election clerks have historically argued that the August primary does not provide enough time to finalize results, manage recounts, and prepare for November elections. Neighboring states, such as Indiana and Ohio, hold earlier primaries, giving election administrators more time to prepare.

Recent constitutional amendments in 2018 and 2022, including in-person early voting, no-reason absentee voting, and timely absentee ballot distribution to military personnel, have further complicated the scheduling of the August primary.

Timeline Context

For context, this year Michigan’s primary was conducted on August 4. Absentee ballots for the general election must be available by September 24, and early voting begins on October 24. These deadlines illustrate the compressed timeline election officials face under the current schedule. The proposed legislation aims to better align Michigan’s election calendar with administrative capacity and voter accessibility, addressing long-standing concerns about the timing and administration of primaries.

Sources:

• Michigan Senate committee approves moving state primary election to 2028
• Michigan Senate Committee Advances Bill to Move Primary Election to May 2028
• Michigan Senate Votes to Shift Primary Election to May 2028
• Michigan Senate panel votes to move the state's primary in 2028

Author: Ethan Caldwell
Ethan Caldwell is an experienced reporter with 10 years covering international news. He specializes in politics and economics, with strong investigative journalism and analytical writing skills.