ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Turnout for the August 6 primary election started off slow in several Delta County precincts.
According to City Clerk Phil DeMay, Escanaba Precinct 1 typically sees the most voters on Election Day.
“Precinct 1 is usually our busiest since the redistricting,” he said. “Precinct 2, they’re pretty busy too, and 3. 4 is kind of our slower one, depending on voter turnout.”
However, DeMay told WZMQ 19 around noon that turnout was not as high as expected, although he anticipated it would pick up in the afternoon and evening. Around 5:30 that evening, poll workers said while it had gotten a bit busier, numbers were still fairly low.
On the other hand, absentee voter response was high prior to Election Day.
“I think we have roughly around 1,300 absentee voter ballots turned in,” said DeMay. “Today we’ll probably get a few more.”
Whether Precinct 1 received a large or low turnout, DeMay said election workers were prepared to make the voting process as smooth as possible for voters.
“I’ve got great election inspectors and great workers,” he said. “Everything’s going good and hopefully it continues to go good.”