More than one million Michigan voters have already cast their ballots ahead of the Primary Election. With polling places opening statewide Tuesday August 6, 2024 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., the participation in early and absentee voting indicates a high level of engagement among Michigan’s electorate.
In-person early voting has seen over 73,500 participants, while more than 970,000 absentee ballots have been submitted for tabulation. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson noted the benefits of early voting and expressed her gratitude to Michigan’s clerks and poll workers for their efforts in ensuring a secure and smooth process.
“More than one million Michiganders have already cast their vote before the polls open on Election Day,” said Benson. “We’ve heard from many voters who appreciate having convenient early options to participate in our elections and it’s great to see people engaged in the process. As always, I’m grateful to Michigan’s clerks and poll workers, who ensured a secure and smooth early voting process throughout the state.”
This election cycle is the first to implement the new rules established by Proposal 2, passed by Michigan voters in 2022. This constitutional amendment requires a minimum of nine days of early in-person voting. The early voting period concluded with a total of 73,531 voters casting their ballots at designated sites, with Friday, August 2, being the busiest day with 11,085 ballots cast.
Absentee voting has played a significant role, with 970,041 absentee ballots submitted from the 1,638,830 requested. This underscores the importance of providing accessible voting options to ensure broad participation.
Compared to the 2020 election, early voting numbers are down, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on voter behavior at that time. Despite this decrease, the continued use of early and absentee voting highlights the importance of these options for many voters.
With less than 24 hours before Election Day, it is important to remind all eligible voters to participate. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, and voters can find their polling locations by visiting Michigan.gov/Vote. Those who have not yet returned their absentee ballots should use official ballot drop boxes or hand-deliver them to their local clerk’s office. Mailing ballots at this stage is not recommended to ensure they are counted on time. All absentee ballots, except those from military and overseas voters, must be received by clerk’s offices or drop boxes by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Eligible Michigan residents who have not yet registered can still do so in person today and on Election Day at their city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency. Michigan allows same-day registration, ensuring that last-minute voters can still participate.
It is crucial to remember that Michigan operates as a straight-ticket state in primary elections. Voters must select all candidates from either the Democratic or Republican party for their ballots to be valid. Any deviation from this will result in the ballot being dismissed.
Voters should also be aware of their rights and report any intimidation or interference at the polls. If such issues arise, they should inform their local clerk immediately and contact the National Voter Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.
The Michigan government provides resources at Michigan.gov/Vote to assist voters in finding polling places, tracking absentee ballots, and verifying registration status. These tools are designed to ensure a smooth and efficient voting process.
In these final hours before Election Day, remaining committed to civic duty is crucial and the importance of each vote is clear. The decisions made at the polls will shape the future of our communities and our state. It is essential for all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote and participate in the democratic process.
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