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Bill

SB 691

Elections: scheduling; August primary election date; eliminate, move primary election date to May, and add the February regular election date. Amends (See bill).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Singh and 1 co-sponsor

Michigan bill moves primary election from August to May and adds February regular election date, restructuring the state's election calendar.

referred to Committee on Election Integrity
#elections:primary #elections:scheduling
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 691

Legislative bill overview

SB 691 would restructure Michigan's election calendar by eliminating the August primary election and moving the primary election to May, while adding a February regular election date. The bill modifies the existing election schedule to consolidate voting periods throughout the year.

Why is this important

Election timing affects voter participation, candidate preparation timelines, and administrative resource allocation for election officials. Changing when primaries and general elections occur influences campaign strategy, voter engagement patterns, and the state's ability to coordinate election logistics with federal timelines.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal coordination concerns: Moving the primary to May and adding February elections could conflict with federal election guidelines and create confusion about which elections align with national voting standards
  • Voter turnout impact: Shifting election dates may reduce participation if voters are unfamiliar with new schedules, particularly in February when weather and holiday seasons may suppress turnout
  • Administrative burden: Moving from the traditional August primary requires election officials to reorganize training, polling place staffing, and ballot preparation—potentially straining county resources
  • Campaign timing: Earlier May primaries compress the campaign season between primary and general election, affecting candidate fundraising and voter education periods

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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