When is Michigan’s primary election? Big picture view:Michigan’s primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 4. READ MORE: Michigan early voting: Everything you need to know before Aug. 4 PrimaryAbsentee voting in MichiganBig picture view:You can only vote absentee, or by mail, in Michigan if you’ve requested a ballot. Dig deeper:You can request a ballot online until 5 p.m. the Friday before Election Day, which would be July 31 for the upcoming primary election. Remember, you cannot split your ticket in a primary election, so you must vote for either all Republican candidates or all Democratic candidates.