LANSING (WWJ) More than 145,000 Michigan residents cast their ballot on the first day of statewide early in-person voting.
Early voting: what you need to know
In a press release; Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced that 145,134 Michigan residents participated in early voting on Saturday, exceeding expectations of state and local election officials.
“I’m thrilled to see so many enthusiastic Michigan citizens turning out all across the state in record numbers to make their voices heard,” Benson said in the release. “We’re starting a new tradition of early voting here in Michigan, so we don’t just have Election Day, we have Election Days, and options that let you decide what’s most convenient for you.”
Search for your early voting location
FAQ about early voting in Michigan
At least 12 early voting sites reported more than 1,000 voters casting ballots on Saturday, according to Benson.
Voters overwhelmingly approved a state constitutional amendment in 2022, expanding voting rights and options—including early voting. State law requires at least nine consecutive days of in-person early voting for all communities--with at least one location open to residents of every city or township for a minimum of eight hours per day. Detroit began early voting last Saturday (10/19); and Canton Township and East Lansing started on Monday (10/21). Clerks have the option to provide their communities up to 28 days of early voting under the law. It ends across the state on Sunday, November 3rd.
“There’s still time to get out and vote – vote from home and return your ballot to your clerk’s ballot drop box, vote early any day between now and Sunday, November 3, or come cast your vote on Election Day,” Benson said.“No matter which you choose, your vote is secure, and the results will reflect the will of the people.”
A total of 158,377 voters have cast ballots at early voting sites since it started in Detroit last Saturday, according to statistics released by the Secretary of State.
As of 7 a.m. this Sunday, October 27th— 22.7% of Michigan’s more than 7.25 million Active Registered Voters have already returned their ballots. Nearly 1.5 million of them were via absentee ballot.
Absentee voting is different than early in-person voting. In absentee voting; you submit your ballot via mail, a secure drop box in your jurisdiction, hand-delivering to your local clerk’s office, or by tabulation at an early voting or Election Day polling location.
You can apply for an absentee ballot online, through mail, or in person at your local clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before Election Day (11/1). More about absentee voting and how to cast a ballot here.
Daily-updated absentee and early voting statistics here
Early voting sites do not offer voter registration— unless the site is at a clerk’s office or satellite office. You can register to vote and vote until 8 p.m. on Election Day (November 5th).
Election Day is nine days away.