LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer is using her coronavirus press briefing to also encourage everyone to exercise their civic duty in the November General Election.
On Wednesday, the governor was joined by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson who focused on the voting procedures and the election process.
“Elections will happen on time and on schedule,” Benson said. She explained that Michigan’s elections will continue to be safe and secure, as this will be the fourth election that the state has held during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Benson explained that the past elections saw, “record turnout, record numbers of citizens voting by mail, and little to no crowding on Election Day.”
Benson is predicting the overall voter turnout in Michigan will likely exceed five million people. She says they are also on track to have more people voting prior to election day than ever before, either through the mail, in person, or through their local clerk’s office.
“This is putting us on track to have over three million of our citizens voting absentee this November,” Benson added.
— Requesting Absentee Ballots —
“You have a right to have your ballot mailed to you,” Benson explained. Michigan citizens can register to vote and request an absentee ballot online at Michigan.gov/Vote.
Both Whitmer and Benson urged voters to request and cast their absentee ballots as soon as possible. An application for an absentee ballot was mailed to every registered voter in Michigan, but those who have not received one can call their city or township clerk or download an application to return by mail or into their local clerk or township office. The application can be found here.
Absentee ballots will start being sent to voters on September 24th. Voters can drop off their completed and signed ballot at their local clerk’s office, at their local ballot drop box, or mail it in as soon as possible to avoid any delays.
All registered voters can track their ballot by looking up their information in the voter information section of Michigan’s website.
— Voting in Person —
Beginning September 24th, voters can also cast their ballot early, in person, at their local clerk’s office. This can be done up until 4 p.m. on November 2nd.
For those who prefer the traditional way, voters will still have access to their local precincts on November 3rd. Polling locations can be found at Michigan.gov/Vote.
“When you do show up to vote on Election Day at your local precinct, you will be greeted by poll workers wearing masks, gloves and face shields. You will find the precinct to be sanitized with social distancing guidelines and protocols in place,” Benson explained.
— Become a Poll Worker —
The Secretary of State added that voters should thank their local clerks and poll workers. Those looking to help on Election Day can go to michigan.gov/democracyMVP to sign up.
— Reporting Misinformation —
Voters that hear or see anything suspicious can report it to the Secretary of State’s office by emailing misinformation@michigan.gov or by calling the Michigan Bureau of Elections.
“I encourage all voters to turn to trusted sources of information, like our printed voter guides distributed this week and our award winning online voter guide Vote411.org, as well as the information shared by the Department of State and local election clerks,” said Michigan League of Women Voters President Christina Schlitt.
More information can be found at michigan.gov/electionsecurity.
The General Election is Tuesday, November 3rd.
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