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Over one million early and absentee votes cast ahead of MIchigan’s Presidential Primary as voters embrace convenient options

Polling places throughout the state are open tomorrow, Feb. 27, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

DETROIT, Mich. – Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced that more than one million Michigan voters have already cast their ballot in the Presidential Primary with less than 24 hours until polls open on Election Day. Over 78,000 voters voted in person at an early voting site, and more than 934,000 voters have returned their completed absentee ballot to their clerk for tabulation.

“Your vote is your voice – and our democracy is stronger when every eligible citizen has the chance to make their voice heard,” said Secretary Benson. “It’s inspiring to see Michigan citizens active and engaged in this Presidential Primary. Michigan voters have turned out in record numbers to cast an absentee ballot or to vote at an early voting site for the first time in our state’s history, and many thousands more will vote at the polls tomorrow. No matter how Michiganders choose to cast their vote in this election, our dedicated local clerks and poll workers will administer a secure process and deliver accurate results.”

At the close of early voting yesterday, a total of 78,093 voters cast a ballot over the course of the nine-day early voting period. The highest turnout day was Sunday, Feb. 25 with 11,030 voters participating. This was the first statewide election with constitutionally guaranteed in-person early voting under Proposal 2 of 2022. A breakdown of in-person early votes by jurisdiction is available online.

“I can tell you; I’ve never seen this level of excitement from voters as they go into the early voting site and cast their ballot for the first time,” said Michael Siegrist, Canton Township clerk. “I have been a clerk since 2016. I have known nothing but change and some challenges – every election brings new challenges. But what is clear is after the massive effort to implement early voting and all the reforms of Proposal 2, is that voters, poll workers, and clerks are going to be excited about this new option.”

“Promote the Vote is actively working to educate the public on this new, exciting option – we’re running ads, we’re sending mailers, and we’re working with our partners to call, text, and canvass voters,” said Micheal Davis, Jr. executive director of Promote the Vote Michigan. “The Bureau of Elections and our city, township, and county clerks have worked tirelessly under tight timelines to ensure that Michigan voters can exercise their constitutional right to vote early. It wasn’t easy, but their steadfast dedication means that voting is that much more accessible for all Michiganders. We are forever grateful for their efforts.”

A total of 934,478 Michigan voters have completed their absentee ballot and submitted it to be tabulated. More than 1.4 million voters have requested an absentee ballot for the primary. A breakdown of absentee ballot numbers by jurisdiction is available online.

Presidential Primary absentee ballot requests

Voters who have received but not yet returned their absentee ballot should hand deliver it to an official ballot drop box in their jurisdiction or to their clerk’s office. Voters should not mail ballots this close to Election Day. With the exception of military and overseas absentee voters, all absentee ballots must be received at clerk’s offices or drop boxes by 8 p.m. on Election Day or they will not be counted. Find your ballot drop box and clerk’s office location at Michigan.gov/Vote.

Eligible Michigan residents can still register in person today and on Election Day at their local clerk’s office. Bring proof of residency and you can register and cast a ballot at the same time.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow, Feb. 27. If a voter witnesses or experiences any interference or intimidation, they should inform their local clerk immediately and call the national voter protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

Find your polling place, track your absentee ballot, and check your registration status at Michigan.gov/Vote.

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Promote the Vote Executive Director Micheal Davis, Jr., Canton Township Clerk Michael Siegrist, Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie, and Secretary Benson release early voting numbers at a Detroit news conference.

Secretary Benson briefs reporters on turnout for Michigan’s first statewide early voting period.

Participants in today’s news conference: Promote the Vote Executive Director Micheal Davis, Jr., Canton Township Clerk Michael Siegrist, Secretary Benson, Deputy Secretary Edevbie.