More than 1 million Michiganders cast early ballots for presidential primary

More than one million Michiganders have already cast a ballot in the presidential primary.

More than 78,000 voters voted in person at an early voting site, and more than 934,000 voters have returned their completed absentee ballot to their clerk for tabulation.

“Your vote is your voice – and our democracy is stronger when every eligible citizen has the chance to make their voice heard,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in a statement. “It’s inspiring to see Michigan citizens active and engaged in this Presidential Primary.”

At the close of early voting Monday, 78,093 voters cast a ballot over the nine-day early voting period. The highest turnout day is Feb. 25 with 11,030 voters participating.

Voters approved Proposal 2 of 2022 which guarantees in-person early voting.

Former President Donald Trump is facing former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley for the Republican nomination.

Real Clear Politics polling average has Trump leading Haley with 69%-17% in Michigan. Nationally, Trump leads Haley 77%-15% but faces 91 criminal charges across three states and Washington D.C.

President Joe Biden is facing Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn, and an “uncommitted” vote of Democrats protesting the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Local clerks said the new voting process was a success.

“I can tell you; I’ve never seen this level of excitement from voters as they go into the early voting site and cast their ballot for the first time,” Canton Township clerk Michael Siegrist said in a statement. “I have been a clerk since 2016. I have known nothing but change and some challenges – every election brings new challenges. But what is clear is after the massive effort to implement early voting and all the reforms of Proposal 2, is that voters, poll workers, and clerks are going to be excited about this new option.”

More than 1.4 million voters have requested an absentee ballot for the primary.

Voters who have received but not yet returned their absentee ballot should hand deliver it to an official ballot drop box in their jurisdiction or to their clerk’s office.

Except for military and overseas absentee voters, all absentee ballots must be received at clerk’s offices or drop boxes by 8 p.m. on today or they will not be counted. Find your ballot drop box and clerk’s office location here.

Eligible Michigan residents can still register in person today and on Election Day at their local clerk’s office. Bring proof of residency and you can register and cast a ballot simultaneously.

Polls are be open until 8 p.m.