LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) is reminding eligible citizens to return all absentee ballots by mail as soon as possible.
In order for a ballot to be counted, it must be received by the local clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
According to data provided by the SOS, approximately 740,000 voters were mailed applications, 213,011 submitted them, and already 86,355 have cast ballots — nearly 12 percent a week from the election.
With turnout for May elections averaging at roughly 13 percent in recent years, these numbers indicate a significant increase in participation.
“The data confirms what we already knew; when people are given the option to vote from the comfort of their home, they overwhelmingly choose to do so,” Secretary Jocelyn Benson said. “This level of turnout proves how committed Michigan voters are to participating in our democracy, and how even during a health crisis Michigan’s elections are successful.”
Absentee ballot applications and postage-paid return envelopes were already mailed to every voter in the jurisdictions holding May 5 elections. They mainly concern expiring millages or other funding concerns that could not wait until August.
“Even though we’ve already seen excellent turnout, everyone who is able to do so should still cast their ballot by mail as soon as possible,” Benson said. “Voting by mail is a safe, secure and easy way to practice social distancing and engage in the democratic process at the same time.”
Local clerk offices will be open on Election Day to serve as ballot drop locations for those unable to mail in their ballots on time.
Same-day registration will also still be available, and those who need to request and then cast their absentee ballot in the office may do so.
Personal protection equipment (PPE) and detailed protocols on the social distancing measures were sent to clerks with elections, in addition to the Department of State putting out a recruitment call for election workers to fill in where needed.
“We had more than 1,600 people across the state volunteer to serve as election workers,” said Secretary Benson. “That overwhelming response reinforced how committed the people of our state are to maintaining our democratic institutions, even in times of crisis.”
In Kalamazoo, citizens will be asked to vote on whether or not a millage renewal should be approved for the Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency. If approved, 1.5 mills would be allowed over the next three years.
In the event the millage is passed, tax rates would not be raised for residents. The resulting funds would be used for operation costs of Kalamazoo Public Schools.
Additionally, citizens will also be asked to vote on whether to approve a $41 million bond for improvements to Vicksburg Community Schools.
If passed, the total millage rate district residents would pay for 2020 will be 6.6-mil. That’s still a decrease from previous years after a 1991 bond measure expired just last year, cutting the rate for taxpayers in half.
District officials say the proposal would continue to set millage rates lower for each successive year after initial passage.
