Michigan's Primary Election Sees Strong Turnout with Over 1.2 Million Early and Absentee Votes Cast

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DETROIT, MI — Michigan's Primary Election concluded with a significant turnout as more than 1.2 million voters cast their ballots early or via absentee methods, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced. This robust participation underscores the effectiveness of the state’s efforts to facilitate voter engagement through convenient voting options.

Election Night Overview

Polling places across Michigan reported steady turnout throughout Election Day, culminating in a busy night for election officials who began the meticulous process of counting the ballots. Benson expressed gratitude to the voters for their active participation and reassured them about the integrity and transparency of the counting process.

“First, I want to congratulate all voters for participating in the Primary Election,” Benson stated. “Secondly, I want to assure them that the counting and canvassing processes will be carried out in accordance with the law, every ballot will be counted fairly and accurately, and the election’s outcome will reflect their will.”

Absentee Ballot Counting and Canvassing

As the polls closed at 8 p.m., absentee ballot counting boards continued their work, particularly in larger jurisdictions that received hundreds of thousands of absentee ballots. Benson highlighted that clerks and their teams are working diligently to provide unofficial results as swiftly as possible. However, the final outcomes for closely contested races may not be determined until the following day.

Ensuring Accuracy and Transparency

Once the unofficial results are released, a comprehensive canvassing process begins. Election officials will review all processes and results to confirm their accuracy and address any clerical errors. This process is overseen by bipartisan boards of county canvassers, who conduct any necessary recounts and certify the amended results. Subsequently, the Board of State Canvassers conducts its review to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the election before certifying the final results.

“It is common for vote tallies to change from the initial unofficial results, as Michigan’s robust election system has built-in steps to identify and correct errors before results are finalized and certified,” Benson noted.

Accessing Results

Voters and interested parties can access the unofficial results reported by all Michigan counties online at Michigan.gov/Vote. This transparency ensures that the public remains informed throughout the entire electoral process.

Looking Forward

The strong turnout in this primary election reflects the effectiveness of Michigan’s efforts to provide accessible voting options and the public's confidence in the electoral process. As the state continues to innovate and improve its voting systems, the commitment to a fair, accurate, and transparent election remains paramount.