Save the Date: 2026 Election Dates & Deadlines

For 2026, the regular election dates for millage or bond proposals are:

May 5
August 4
November 3

Because schools are responsible for any “added costs” of an election, placing proposals on the ballots during an even-year statewide primary election in August or the general election in November can significantly reduce expenses. Schools should contact their election attorney to discuss how different election dates may affect costs and overall strategy.

Schools considering placing a millage or bond proposal on the May ballot should contact their election attorney as soon as possible. A certified copy of the board resolution approving ballot language for a millage or bond proposal must be filed with the school’s election coordinator (typically the county clerk) at least 12 weeks before the chosen election date. For the May 2026 election, that deadline is Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. This deadline is absolute. If missed, even by a few minutes, the election coordinator can refuse to place the proposal on the ballot.

Registered electors in a school district may also circulate petitions to place a millage or bond proposal on the ballot on a date other than the three election dates listed above. Petitions bearing a sufficient number of signatures must be filed at least 12 weeks before the applicable election date. For 2026, the remaining available petition initiative “floater” election dates are the following Tuesdays:

February 17, 24
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
June 16, 23, 30
September 15, 22, 29
December 15, 22, 29

The 2026 regular and available “floater” election dates may be used to seek voter approval for any of the following:

• Millage renewal;
• Restoration/override of Headlee reduction to existing millage;
• New millage, such as sinking fund, recreational, special education, career and technical education, or regional enhancement; or
• Voted bonds.

For a new bond issue that a school would like qualified under the School Bond Qualification and Loan Program, school officials should contact their election attorney at least seven months before the chosen election date to schedule a preliminary qualification meeting with the Department of Treasury.