LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan’s voting season for the Nov. 3 election is underway.

Absentee ballots become available Thursday, Sept. 24. Voters who have requested a ballot may receive one by mail after their local clerk processes their application. Those who still need a ballot can apply online through the Michigan Department of State or contact their city or township clerk.

Michigan voters also have nine days of in-person early voting, from Oct. 24 through Nov. 1. Polls will be open on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Voters will choose a governor, secretary of state and attorney general, along with candidates for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, state Legislature and local offices. Democrats have held all three top statewide offices for the past two terms. Whether Republicans can win any of them remains to be seen.

The U.S. Senate race between Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed and Republican nominee Mike Rogers is drawing national attention. The winner will replace retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters and could help determine which party controls the chamber.

Another race to watch is Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, where Republican incumbent Tom Barrett faces Democratic nominee William Lawrence, a former member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Voters will also decide two statewide proposals. Proposal 1 asks whether Michigan should convene a constitutional convention. Proposal 2 would restrict campaign contributions from certain regulated utilities and government contractors and expand disclosure rules for political communications.