Over 709,000 Michigan voters have already cast their ballots for the upcoming Primary Election, showcasing a remarkable early turnout. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson urges voters to continue using the various options available to ensure their voices are heard. In the final week before Election Day, 10,621 voters turned out at early voting sites during the first weekend of in-person early voting, while 698,673 voters have submitted absentee ballots.
“All across the state, Michigan’s dedicated clerks and election workers helped ensure that the first weekend of early voting for the Primary Election was secure and successful,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “There’s still a week left for us to spread the word about early voting in Michigan and to make sure every citizen knows about this convenient option to cast your ballot in person before Election Day. Whether you choose to vote early, with an absentee ballot, or at the polls on Election Day, the process will be secure, and the results will be accurate.”
For the first time in 2024, Michigan guarantees a minimum of nine days of in-person early voting, thanks to the voter-approved Proposal 2, which expanded voting rights. The turnout for the first weekend of early voting saw 6,406 voters on Saturday, July 27, and 4,215 on Sunday, July 28, totaling 10,621 voters.
Additionally, 698,673 voters have completed and submitted their absentee ballots. More than 1.6 million Michigan voters have requested absentee ballots for this election. Compared to 2020, when 1,792,495 absentee ballots were requested and 812,820 were submitted eight days before Election Day, the current numbers show a slight decrease in requests but a robust engagement in early submission.
David Becker, executive director and founder of the Center for Election Innovation and Research (CEIR), highlighted the security benefits of offering multiple voting options. “When states like Michigan offer multiple options for a voter to cast their ballot, it leads to tremendous security benefits. Concentrating all voting into one 12- or 14-hour period on a single Tuesday creates a single point of potential failure for a lot of things to happen – traffic, weather, a power outage, or some kind of intentional attack on the system. In Michigan, voters and election officials can spread that activity over a series of days and different options. This is why Michigan elections in 2024 are more secure than they’ve ever been.”
Melanie Ryska, City Clerk of Sterling Heights, expressed excitement over the increased voting options, encouraging voters to take advantage of early voting. “We’re excited to offer even more options for voters, and we really encourage them to come out and early vote,” she said. “I think all of these efforts that we’ve made in the State of Michigan – through a constitutional amendment and through the Legislature – have increased our voters’ access to the ballot box. There are so many checks and balances for every single process that makes sure that our elections are fair, and the results that we get at the end of election night actually reflect the will of the people.”
Voters who have received but not yet returned their absentee ballots are advised to hand-deliver them to an official ballot drop box, their clerk’s office, or an early voting site. Mailing ballots this close to Election Day is not recommended. Absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted, with the exception of those from military or overseas voters.
Voters must use a ballot drop box or early voting site in their own jurisdiction. To find the nearest drop box, visit Michigan.gov/Vote, and to locate an early voting site, visit Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting.
Michiganders who are eligible to vote but not yet registered can do so in person at their clerk’s office with proof of residency until 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can register and cast their ballots simultaneously. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, August 6.
This pivotal moment in Michigan’s voting history represents an opportunity for every citizen to make their voice heard. The expanded voting options and the dedication of election officials ensure that every vote counts in shaping the future of our community.
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