The Brief Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat is one of the most closely-watched races this election cycle. One of the most significant races approaching Michigan voters is the U.S. Senate election that will decide the open seat being left vacant by Gary Peters. El-Sayed previously ran for Michigan governor in 2018 before losing the Democratic Primary to eventual winner Gretchen Whitmer. Ways to voteDig deeper:In Michigan, you can vote in an election in the following ways:Absentee ballot (must be requested ahead of time)Early in-person votingVote in-person on Election DayRELATED: Michigan primary election guide: Everything you need to knowEarly voting up in MichiganWhat they're saying:The Secretary of State says early voting in Michigan is up dramatically this year. By the numbers:First weekend in-person early voting turnout was up 78% over the 2024 primary, the state said.