Eaton County voter turnout rises in midterm election

Eaton County reported voter turnout of nearly 66% in Tuesday's midterm election, marking an increase from the 2022 midterms. The county includes Republican Congressman Tom Barrett's home area and portions of Michigan's 7th Congressional District.

Voters in Eaton County approved funding for roads and public transportation, following rejections of countywide tax proposals in 2024 and 2025. This local outcome coincided with broader regional trends, as Ingham and Jackson counties also saw turnout increases while neighboring Clinton County experienced a decline.

Statewide, the 2026 election marked the first midterm general election with access to statewide early in-person voting. More than 2.3 million Michiganders cast ballots early or returned absentee ballots by the day before the election.

Read the full story at wkar.org.