Nearly 1.3 million Michigan voters request absentee ballots

NEWS RELEASE
SECRETARY OF STATE JOCELYN BENSON
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There are three weeks left until Election Day in Michigan’s Presidential Primary and nearly 1.3 million voters have requested absentee ballots for the primary – an 80% increase over the same point before the 2020 Presidential Primary. Starting this year, voters have new options for casting their ballot safely and securely – absentee voting is underway; in-person early voting begins statewide on Saturday, Feb. 17; and Election Day is Tuesday, Feb. 27.

”I’m thrilled to see so many Michiganders engaged and energized about this month’s presidential primary,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “Whether you choose to vote early - from home or at an early voting location - or in person on Election Day, clerks across the state are ready to ensure you are able to cast your ballot safely and securely.”

Absent voter ballot request data shows that 1,287,265 Michiganders have requested an absentee ballot as of Feb. 6. As a comparison, 713,465 Michiganders had requested absentee ballots three weeks before the 2020 presidential primary. 1,083,863 ballots have been sent to voters by clerks so far this year and 391,404 voters have completed their ballots and returned them to be counted. A breakdown by jurisdiction is available online.

In 2022, Michigan voters passed Proposal 2, which created a permanent mail ballot list. Voters can choose to automatically receive an absentee ballot and vote from home for every election.

Eligible Michigan residents can register by mail or online to vote through Feb. 12 or at their local clerk’s office through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Under Michigan law, voters can cast a ballot for only one party’s candidates during the Presidential Primary and must select either a Democratic or Republican ballot before casting their vote. However, if the voter does not wish to participate in the presidential selection, and their jurisdiction has local contests to be decided, they can request a local-only ballot instead.

Michigan does not register voters by party – every voter is free to select a ballot from one of the two parties. Third-party or minor party presidential candidates are selected by a different process under Michigan law. 

Voters can track their absentee application or ballot online at Michigan.gov/Vote or by contacting their local election clerk. Absentee ballots have prepaid postage and can be returned by U.S. mail. Voters who still need to return their completed ballot can drop it off at their clerk’s office or designated secure ballot drop box to avoid postal delays.

Michigan.gov/Vote provides important election information, including a sample ballot and how to contact your local clerk.

To find an early voting site near you, visit Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting.

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