KINGSFORD, Mich. (WZMQ) – As the city of Kingsford gears up for the early voting process set to commence tomorrow, changes in polling locations take center stage. Deputy Clerk Tanya Hiltonen emphasizes the shift, highlighting City Hall as the new voting venue, diverging from the traditional Public Works Building.
“When Dickinson County voters arrive at City Hall, you will fill out the application to vote just like you would on election day. And then we will have our precinct workers print out a ballot for you, which is a ballot-on-demand system for your specific precinct, city, or township, and then you’ll go to the booth, vote it, and then toss it through the tabulator machine,” stated Hiltonen.
Since the passage of Prop 22-2 in Michigan, citizens now have the right to 9 days of in-person early voting, slated to take place in the upstairs council room.
“We have two machines, one for city voters, and one for township voters, and you can come and cast your ballot in person,” Hiltonen added.
The surge in absentee voting, accounting for over 60% of voters in Kingsford, influenced the decision to consolidate polling locations. Hiltonen noted that fewer voters are expected on election day due to the growing popularity of early voting.
“Since all of the new laws have come into effect in the last 5 years in the City of Kingsford, over 60 percent of our voters vote absentee and the state of Michigan estimates that 30% of voters will be voting in the early voting process, which leaves about 10% who’ll vote on actual election day. Which is one reason why we decided to combine polling locations,” remarked Hiltonen.
Early voters can cast their ballots at City Hall until February 25th, between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The primary election is scheduled for February 27th, with remaining voters needing to utilize their normal polling locations if they haven’t participated in early or absentee voting.
