LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Starting Thursday, Marquette County will be one of a dozen Michigan communities to start voting early this year. The pilot program for early voting passed last year as a part of proposal II.
Starting next year, voters will be able to cast their ballots in person, up to 9 days before election day. For this year’s November election, communities throughout the state were chosen to be a part of the pilot program, including four days of early voting in the city of Marquette. Michigan’s Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said she’s proud to see the will of voters made real.
“We know that voters in the U.P. may have different experiences and needs than voters downstate.” Secretary Benson said. “By piloting early voting in the Upper Peninsula, we’re able to identify exactly how to ensure it goes smoothly next year throughout the Upper Peninsula for everyone.”
Benson said the program will allow voters to participate the same way they have in the past, but they’ll now have the option to vote early and see their ballot counted. She says this pilot program will focus on ensuring the security of elections across the state while giving more opportunities for voters to participate.
“We’ve worked to do it in a way that prioritizes election security, making sure we have new technology in place so that no one can vote more than once or otherwise violate the law. we have identification requirements in place for everyone who chooses to vote early as well to confirm their identity.” Secretary Benson said. “Our early voting program is secure. and it’s an important right for citizens to know that they now have.”
The early voting pilot program kicks off across the state this week, before election day next Tuesday. Secretary Benson says the program will be a great opportunity for voters and clerks to see how early voting works before the full 9-day period begins during next year’s election.
Voters registered in the city of Marquette will be able to vote in person starting November 2nd, from 8 am until 4 pm at the Peter White Public Library, and early voting will continue through the 5th.
