LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Over one million votes have already been cast ahead of tomorrow’s presidential primary election. Michigan’s Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, said that number is 13% higher than early voting in 2020, mostly due to the newly instated 9 days of early in-person voting.
Over 78,000 people participated in early in-person voting, and just over 2,000 of those were cast in the U.P.. County clerks are reporting positive reactions from voters.
“Overall this is great news for our state,” Benson said. “The robust early voting turnout shows that Michigan citizens are engaged in this process and are making sure their voice is heard and it shows that Michigan voters, when they have options to vote, they embrace those options.”
The main concern for clerks across the peninsula is the cost. In Delta County, the clerk, Nancy Przewrocki, said 178 voters turned up at the one designated location in her area, but she voiced concerns about the costs being almost 4 times the amount of a normal election and said they spent nearly $300 per voter.
Up north in Dickinson County, 290 voters cast their ballots early across 10 different locations. Their clerk, Carol Bronzyk, explained that the state will reimburse a majority of the excess costs to the county and that ultimately, she thinks it will be a positive change.
“It was very expensive to implement with all the new machines and everything,” Bronzyk said. “But I think it’s going to get bigger with time. So as it grows, I think it’ll be it’ll be well worth it in the end.”
The Marquette county clerk, Linda Talsma, said they saw the largest turnout, with 505 voters. Talsma said the pilot program they were able to host in this past November election played a big role in preparing them for what it would be like for the six polling locations they held this year.
“We had we had quality numbers, so I was pleased with that,” Talsma said. “I do think in August and November we’re going to see even higher numbers throughout the state. I think it will catch on. it’s just like anything new: It takes a little bit of time.”
Secretary Benson explained that election officials expected this first year to be an investment cost-wise, that would pay off as the program gains popularity.
“As with no reason absentee voting, I expect in-person early voting to also become more and more popular as more citizens learn about their options and become accustomed to Michigan having several election days rather than just one election day,” Benson said. “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.”
Overall, Benson said that 13% of registered active voters have already participated early.
