Early voting begins 🗳

Good morning, and happy Saturday!

🌤️ The high today is 84 degrees — kicking off the weekend with some really nice, mostly sunny weather. Take advantage of it by strolling around the sixth-most popular "hidden gem" in the United States.

Early voting underway for August primary

Today is the first day of early voting for Michigan's August primary election.

While Michigan already held its presidential primary in February, this round of voting, which culminates with the Aug. 6 primary election day, will decide nominations for Michigan's U.S. Senate race and 13 U.S. House races, as well as positions in the Michigan state House and individual counties.

To help cut through the noise, the Free Press has compiled a voter guide for the key races , including information about the candidates running for these offices and other news you need to know surrounding the election. Also, see how to register to vote, the deadlines and other details here .

With news changing by the day — or, honestly, by the hour — it can be really hard to follow how the election evolves. But the Free Press will keep track of the developments as we inch closer to Election Day on Nov. 5.

Check out our voter guide portal here .

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🏈 Football: Detroit Lions kicker Michael Badgley is out for the entire 2024 season due to an injury that will require surgery. Here's what to know about kicker Jake Bates , who was competing with Badgley for the starting kicker spot.

🗳️ Politics: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill banning the use of the gay and trans panic defense in criminal cases — making Michigan the 20th state to do so. Also, the Michigan GOP isn't as rolling in as much dough as previously reported.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Early voting begins 🗳