JANICE WINFREY

Janice Winfrey, the elected clerk in Detroit, said she will challenge U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib in the summer Democratic primary.

The Detroit Department of Elections announced two-thirds of voters will go the absentee route in 2021, leading to a slow stream of voters on Election Day.

On Tuesday voters in Detroit will decide the races forMayorCity CouncilPolice CommissionersCommunity Advisory Council3 ProposalsCity Clerk Janice Winfrey says all systems are go for in-person voting and absentee ballots. Winfrey is predicting turnout at only 15 to 20% and says it’s being driven down by the candidates, the energy level compared to the Presidential election last year and corruption inside city hall. Winfrey has trained 3500 workers to be at more than 500 precincts on Tuesday and at the TCF Center to tabulate ballots Tuesday night. “When voters are not really moved by the candidates, they go meh, unfortunately” the Clerk said during a morning news conference. Winfrey says the recent corruption cases, that have centered on towing contracts and affected city council and Detroit Police, have also driven down voter interest.

Lack of campaigning on candidates part, past gov corruption and lack of campaign funding, all reasons Detroit city clerk Janice Winfrey is expecting low voter turnout in this Tuesday’s general election.

Track live results for Detroit City Clerk for the 2021 General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey, who is running for reelection, has been slapped with liens on her family’s home for nearly $65,000 in delinquent taxes....

Denzel McCampbell, a voting rights advocate who is running to unseat Detroit Clerk Janice Winfrey, is calling for an investigation into city election officials’ decision...

Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey is among those U.S. election workers and officials who allege they have received threats of death or violence against them,...

On Tuesday, Detroit held a primary election ahead of its November general election, where residents will vote from a narrower field of candidates for mayor,...

A viral video on Reddit leads to an investigation within the Detroit Police Department.

Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey explains a new process they will use to count absentee ballots for Aug 3rd Primary to ensure ballot count balance.

The primary election for Detroit is on Tuesday, Aug. 3. Beverly Kindle-Walker is a first-time candidate for the office and believes she can do the job better than Winfrey. “It’s just a simple procedure of being accountable with your staffing who is manning the election board and is making sure we have pride in our work.” —Beverly Kindle-WalkerListen: Beverly Kindle-Walker explains why she should be Detroit’s next city clerk. GuestBeverly Kindle-Walker is a legislative assistant to Wayne County Commissioner Tim Killeen and ran for the county treasurer position in prior elections. Kindle-Walker believes she can do a better job than Janice Winfrey at counting ballots and being responsible for absentee voting.

An internal committee of the Michigan Republican Party is set to vote on a pair of resolutions on Saturday censuring two members of Congress who supported the Jan. 6 commission and calling for the resignation of a state senator who authored an election report stating that former President Donald Trump lost the 2020 election.

In a testimony before Congress, Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey said she’s losing staff and living in fear because of false claims of fraud in the 2020 election.

Election results for Detroit City Clerk in the 2021 Michigan Primary Election on Aug. 3, 2021.

Three candidates are challenging incumbent Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey in this year’s election. GuestDenzel McCampbell is a candidate for Detroit City Clerk. He serves as communications director for Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) and is also a member of the Detroit City Charter Revision Commission, which crafted Proposal P on Tuesday’s ballot in Detroit. McCampbell says one of his top priorities as clerk would be engaging with Detroit voters and encouraging them to participate in elections. He takes exception with assertions that the proposed charter revision is too prescriptive and would have a catastrophic financial impact on the city’s budget.

Black Detroiters moved a step closer to receiving long-awaited reparations for systemic racial discrimination, but the historic measure still faces legal and funding uncertainties. The...

DETROIT, MI -- Vice President Kamala Harris met with Detroit community members and Michigan elected officials during her first visit to the state since taking office. Harris is scheduled to hold events focused on voting rights and vaccine mobilization at the TCF Center, then attend a fundraiser for Gov. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Detroit Clerk Janice Winfrey and representatives of several Detroit community organizations attended a round table discussion on voting rights. Harris recently embarked on a national tour to meet with voting rights, stopping in South Carolina and Georgia before Michigan. The vice president’s visit comes one week after she unveiled a $24 million voting rights campaign from the Democratic National Committee.

The city of Detroit is offering fewer drop boxes and satellite locations for voters to return their absentee ballots in the Aug. 3 primary election,...

Challengers make the case for change in the city's election administration. Winfrey says stakes are too high for Detroit voters.

Denzel McCampbell, a voting rights advocate, Detroit charter revision commissioner, and communications director for U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, is running for city clerk with a...

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey and several mayors from across the state were in Lansing Tuesday voicing opposition to election bills proposed by Michigan Republicans.

Michigan’s top election official on Thursday blasted Republican-backed voting bills that are pending in the Legislature, calling them an “un-American” affront to voters and saying some would be more restrictive than a controversial new law...

“We are witnessing state legislators acting as if their anti-American effort to take away citizens freedom to vote is somehow the right thing to do,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

DETROIT – The Michigan House and Senate Oversight committees subpoenaed Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey and Livonia City Clerk Susan Nash. Both cities had a number of precincts where the poll books did not match the vote tally and are not explained. Both city clerks have until Jan. 12 to present documents explaining how the election was handled. The Michigan House and Senate are holding hearings on alleged voting irregularities, which have found no proof of fraud at this point and nothing to suggest the vote in Michigan was not secure or accurate. House Oversight Chair Matt Hall, of Marshall, issued the following statement Tuesday after a joint hearing of the House and Senate Oversight committees:

DETROIT – On Tuesday, the Michigan House and Senate Oversight Committees voted to issue subpoenas to Livonia City Clerk, Susan Nash, and Detroit City Clerk, Janice Winfrey, for information related to the 2020 general and primary elections. Under the subpoenas both Winfrey and Nash have until 5 p.m. Jan. 5, 2021 to provide information and documents on how they ran the elections. Tuesday’s vote was made only one day after Michigan electors unanimously cast 16 Electoral College votes for Joe Biden for president. House Oversight Chair, Matt Hall, of Marshall issued the following statement after the joint hearing of the House and Senate Oversight Committees. “The House and Senate Oversight Committees have heard testimony and claims about this election.

After Republican U.S. Senate hopeful John James lost a tight race to incumbent U.S. Sen Gary Peters, an attorney representing his campaign told Wayne County elections officials he had “serious concerns” with how ballot-counting played out there. Trump campaign sues Michigan as election challengers swarm ballot counting facilityMembers of both parties were present and monitoring the ballot count in Detroit. Thursday’s Wayne County Board of Canvassers meeting officially kicked off the canvassing process in the county, a routine procedure of checking and verifying ballot totals before certifying official election results. Under Michigan election law, every county must finish canvassing Tuesday’s general election results by Nov. 17, then send the results to the Secretary of State within 24 hours after that. @GaryPeters laughed out loud when asked what he makes of @JohnJamesMI campaign allegations of irregularities with election results.

Several battleground states have yet to declare a winner as ballots are still being counted and those counts could last through Friday. Many people were trying to get inside the counting locations to try to stop officials from counting. In Michigan, 82 of the 83 counties have completed counting their ballots. The Trump team had filed a lawsuit in Michigan to stop the counting, because they felt that it was not fair and legal. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said that the counting was completed and there wasn’t anything to stop.

As ballots are still being counted throughout the state of Michigan, tensions ran high in the “counting room” at the TCF Center in Detroit Wednesday afternoon. Supporters of President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump swarmed the TCF Center on Wednesday in an effort to enter the counting room and watch the ballot-counting process. In Michigan, citizens are allowed to observe the ballot-counting process to ensure everything is being counted fairly and accurately. Biden support Yolanda Moore was part of the crowd at the TCF Center Wednesday. Both Benson and Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey said the demonstrations at the TCF Center were just distractions from completing the counting.

DETROIT – As counting continues at TCF Center in Detroit Tuesday night, city clerk Janice Winfrey and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said they were pleased with the voter turnout in the city and state. Our poll workers decided to come out and work during this pandemic and I couldn’t be more grateful,” said Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey. There were long lines at some locations around Metro Detroit, and the turnout was record setting. And I’m truly grateful for every single person who was part of team democracy, making it work,” Benson said. READ: Michigan Attorney General investigates robocalls spreading misinformation on Election DayYou can watch Hank Winchester’s full report in the video posted above.

CBS Detroit – Detroit is expecting a significantly less voter turnout this election. According to the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News, election officials in Detroit think voter turnout could be half of the voter turnout in 2012 and 2008 when Barrack Obama ran. “Presently, more than 174,000 absentee ballots have been issued the city of Detroit,” she said at a Press Conference Thursday. “Approximately 156,000 absentee ballots have been mailed, 20,000 absentee ballots have been issued from the 23 satellite voting centers. Information from The Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Deadline Detroit, and Time contributed to this report.

DETROIT – There are only a few days left until Election Day on November 3. City clerk Janice Winfrey spoke out Thursday, encouraging people to get out and vote in the upcoming presidential election. “We want every voter to show up and vote in this election,” Winfrey said. Voting lines could also be longer than usual on Election Day, as the state anticipates a record turnout of voters. President Donald Trump has called out Benson before, saying he is concerned about the election in Michigan and the integrity of the election process.

DETROIT – All eyes are on the city of Detroit ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election. Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey said things will be different this time around. Winfrey has been city clerk since 2005. “Our issues in August stemmed from the lack of poll workers that we were able to recruit from. She believes that she has done a “better than good” job in her years as city clerk.

DETROIT – On Friday, Detroit’s city clerk and postmaster discussed the process of how ballots already in the mail will be handled this year. “Every ballot will reach its intended destination,” said Detroit Postmaster, Darron Bray. “We will timely deliver all election mail, and we will do that definitely securely,” Bray said. Winfrey is urging voters to trust that everything will go smoothly on Election Day. Trust the process,” Winfrey said.

(CBS DETROIT) – As Election Day draws closer voters in Detroit have new options to cast their ballots early. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson made the announcement Monday before casting her ballot at the Northwest Activity Center in Detroit. One of 23 new satellite polling centers now open for use. Young Recreation Center – 2751 Robert Bradby Dr. (at Lafayette Park) Considine – 8904 Woodward Ave. (at Holbrook) Crowell – 16630 Lahser Rd. (at Third) DWSD Eastside Customer Care Center –13303 E. McNichols Farwell Recreation Center – 2711 E. Outer Dr. (at Ryan Rd.)

Whitmer issued and signed over 180 executive orders, but according to a Michigan Supreme Court ruling Friday, the governor exceeded her emergency powers. “All of the Governors Executive orders post on and post April 30th will be basically null and void,” said Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, 8th House District. Gay-Dagnogo says, the state’s court ruling that a 1945 law is unconstitutional is politically driven. Oakland County says they will enforce masks use in public, Wayne County says they will follow the governor’s orders until the state releases new ones. A statement released Sunday from Whitmer’s office in response to the Supreme Court ruling reads in part: When it comes to fighting COVID-19, we are all in this together.

Betsy Meter, Tricia Keith Announced As Go Red For Women Luncheon Co-ChairsThe American Heart Association has named Betsy Meter and Tricia Keith to bring awareness to women's greatest heath threat, cardiovascular disease as the Go Red for Women Luncheon co-chairs. VIDEO: Detroit Police Seek Breaking And Entering SuspectsThe Detroit Police Department is seeking suspects wanted in connection to breaking and entering a business that occurred on the city’s east side. Police Investigating Farmington Hills Gas Station Armed RobberyAnyone with information is asked to contact the Farmington Hills Police Department Command Desk at 248-871-2610. MDHHS Issues New Mask Order And Indoor Gatherings LimitsThe MDHHS issued a new order mandating mask use and seating capacity limits on venues back to previous levels before the Michigan Supreme Court's decision nullified Governor Whitmer's orders past April 30. The Covid-19 pandemic is shaping changes at the ballot box and making them more accessible than ever before.

Betsy Meter, Tricia Keith Announced As Go Red For Women Luncheon Co-ChairsThe American Heart Association has named Betsy Meter and Tricia Keith to bring awareness to women's greatest heath threat, cardiovascular disease as the Go Red for Women Luncheon co-chairs. VIDEO: Detroit Police Seek Breaking And Entering SuspectsThe Detroit Police Department is seeking suspects wanted in connection to breaking and entering a business that occurred on the city’s east side. Police Investigating Farmington Hills Gas Station Armed RobberyAnyone with information is asked to contact the Farmington Hills Police Department Command Desk at 248-871-2610. MDHHS Issues New Mask Order And Indoor Gatherings LimitsThe MDHHS issued a new order mandating mask use and seating capacity limits on venues back to previous levels before the Michigan Supreme Court's decision nullified Governor Whitmer's orders past April 30. The Covid-19 pandemic is shaping changes at the ballot box and making them more accessible than ever before.

Betsy Meter, Tricia Keith Announced As Go Red For Women Luncheon Co-ChairsThe American Heart Association has named Betsy Meter and Tricia Keith to bring awareness to women's greatest heath threat, cardiovascular disease as the Go Red for Women Luncheon co-chairs. VIDEO: Detroit Police Seek Breaking And Entering SuspectsThe Detroit Police Department is seeking suspects wanted in connection to breaking and entering a business that occurred on the city’s east side. MDHHS Issues New Mask Order And Indoor Gatherings LimitsThe MDHHS issued a new order mandating mask use and seating capacity limits on venues back to previous levels before the Michigan Supreme Court's decision nullified Governor Whitmer's orders past April 30. 23 New Polling Centers, 7 Drop Boxes Open In DetroitAs Election Day draws closer voters in Detroit have new options to cast their ballots early. The Covid-19 pandemic is shaping changes at the ballot box and making them more accessible than ever before.

CBS announced today a new one-hour entertainment special, Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event, a celebration of Latinx culture in America, produced and hosted by Eva Longoria, along with co-hosts Gloria Estefan and Ricky Martin will air Monday, October 26th from 9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT, only on CBS and streaming live and on demand with CBS All Access. Produced by Funny Or Die, in partnership with Momento Latino, UnbeliEVAble Entertainment and Global Philanthropy, the special will honor the contributions of the Latinx community to the United States and their importance to its future. Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event will celebrate America’s diversity with a focus on Latinx culture, bringing joy, awareness and aid to the Latinx community that has been deeply impacted by and played an essential role in fighting COVID-19. Through musical performances, comedy pieces, docu-shorts and star-studded appearances, the special will explore the Latinx experience as told by Latinx voices. “When COVID-19 hit the United States, people were quick to applaud our essential workers, many of whom are Latinos, for helping to keep food on our tables, delivering our packages and working in our healthcare system,” said Eva Longoria.

The Best & Worst Places To Drive in AmericaMetro Detroit doesn't fair well when it comes to driving. Niche Rates UofM As Top Public University In The U.S.The website Niche.com has named the University of Michigan the top public university in the U.S. The Henry Ford Returns Expands Regular Hours Monday with Marvel ExhibitionThanks to the new Marvel exhibition, The Henry Museum of American Innovation is expanding its hours to seven days a week. The Henry Ford Set To Reopen With Marvel Universe ExhibitThe Henry Ford is reopening finally and kicking things off with an exhibition called Marvel Universe of Super Heroes. Detroit's Top 4 Bars To Visit NowLooking to check out the best bars in town?

The Best & Worst Places To Drive in AmericaMetro Detroit doesn't fair well when it comes to driving. Niche Rates UofM As Top Public University In The U.S.The website Niche.com has named the University of Michigan the top public university in the U.S. The Henry Ford Returns Expands Regular Hours Monday with Marvel ExhibitionThanks to the new Marvel exhibition, The Henry Museum of American Innovation is expanding its hours to seven days a week. The Henry Ford Set To Reopen With Marvel Universe ExhibitThe Henry Ford is reopening finally and kicking things off with an exhibition called Marvel Universe of Super Heroes. Detroit's Top 4 Bars To Visit NowLooking to check out the best bars in town?

Police Investigating Farmington Hills Gas Station Armed RobberyAnyone with information is asked to contact the Farmington Hills Police Department Command Desk at 248-871-2610. MDHHS Issues New Mask Order And Indoor Gatherings LimitsThe MDHHS issued a new order mandating mask use and seating capacity limits on venues back to previous levels before the Michigan Supreme Court's decision nullified Governor Whitmer's orders past April 30. Whitmer’s Orders, Despite State Supreme Court RulingSince the pandemic began Gov. Whitmer issued and signed over 180 executive orders, but according to a Michigan Supreme Court ruling Friday, the governor exceeded her emergency powers. Airbnb Bans One-Night Rentals Over Halloween WeekendAirbnb is cracking down on Halloween parties this year by banning one-night rentals over the holiday weekend.

MDHHS Issues New Mask Order And Indoor Gatherings LimitsThe MDHHS issued a new order mandating mask use and seating capacity limits on venues back to previous levels before the Michigan Supreme Court's decision nullified Governor Whitmer's orders past April 30. The Covid-19 pandemic is shaping changes at the ballot box and making them more accessible than ever before. Whitmer’s Orders, Despite State Supreme Court RulingSince the pandemic began Gov. Whitmer issued and signed over 180 executive orders, but according to a Michigan Supreme Court ruling Friday, the governor exceeded her emergency powers. Airbnb Bans One-Night Rentals Over Halloween WeekendAirbnb is cracking down on Halloween parties this year by banning one-night rentals over the holiday weekend.

Gretchen Whitmer said Monday that a statewide mask requirement remains in effect despite the Michigan Supreme Court’s invalidation of a law that underpins her orders to control the coronavirus pandemic. She asked the court to declare its Friday ruling not binding until Oct. 30, to give her administration, the Republican-led Legislature and local health departments time to transition. Whitmer warned that people could lose unemployment benefits as a result of the court’s decision and called on lawmakers to return to session instead of recessing until after the November election. Violators can be fined up to $1,000 under state Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon’s order. Over the weekend, some large counties issued their own COVID-19 restrictions, which included mask requirements.

23 New Polling Centers, 7 Drop Boxes Open In DetroitAs Election Day draws closer voters in Detroit have new options to cast their ballots early. The Covid-19 pandemic is shaping changes at the ballot box and making them more accessible than ever before. Whitmer’s Orders, Despite State Supreme Court RulingSince the pandemic began Gov. Whitmer issued and signed over 180 executive orders, but according to a Michigan Supreme Court ruling Friday, the governor exceeded her emergency powers. Airbnb Bans One-Night Rentals Over Halloween WeekendAirbnb is cracking down on Halloween parties this year by banning one-night rentals over the holiday weekend.

23 New Polling Centers, 7 Drop Boxes Open In DetroitAs Election Day draws closer voters in Detroit have new options to cast their ballots early. The Covid-19 pandemic is shaping changes at the ballot box and making them more accessible than ever before. Whitmer’s Orders, Despite State Supreme Court RulingSince the pandemic began Gov. Whitmer issued and signed over 180 executive orders, but according to a Michigan Supreme Court ruling Friday, the governor exceeded her emergency powers. Airbnb Bans One-Night Rentals Over Halloween WeekendAirbnb is cracking down on Halloween parties this year by banning one-night rentals over the holiday weekend.

The Covid-19 pandemic is shaping changes at the ballot box and making them more accessible than ever before. Whitmer’s Orders, Despite State Supreme Court RulingSince the pandemic began Gov. Whitmer issued and signed over 180 executive orders, but according to a Michigan Supreme Court ruling Friday, the governor exceeded her emergency powers. DTE Energy Announces $13M Relief FundDTE Energy announced a $13 million fund to help Michigan residents during the pandemic. Detroit Teen Faces Murder Charge After Deadly Shooting Outside Of Pontiac Haunted HouseOakland County Sheriff says a suspect is in custody in the deadly shooting of a man outside of a haunted house in Pontiac.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson made the announcement Monday before casting her ballot at the Northwest Activity Center in Detroit. Young Recreation Center – 2751 Robert Bradby Dr. (at Lafayette Park) Considine – 8904 Woodward Ave. (at Holbrook) Crowell – 16630 Lahser Rd. (at Third) DWSD Eastside Customer Care Center –13303 E. McNichols Farwell Recreation Center – 2711 E. Outer Dr. (at Ryan Rd.) Greater Christ Baptist Church – 3544 Iroquois Ave.(at Mack) Greater Grace Temple – 23500 W. 7 Mile Rd. (Outer Dr. and Plymouth) Tindal Recreation Center – 10301 W. 7 Mile Rd.

DETROIT -- The general election is just over five weeks away and the Detroit Pistons have provided another way for Detroit residents to make sure their voices are heard. The Pistons, along with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey, unveiled the new ballot box on Thursday afternoon. The box is located in front of the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center on 690 Amsterdam St. in New Center.  Greater Emmanuel Institutional-19190 Schaefer Hwy.- DROP BOX ONLY.  Unity Baptist Church-7500 Tireman- DROP BOX ONLY.

DETROIT The Michigan Secretary of States Office and the Detroit city clerk are teaming to make sure every vote counts for the upcoming November general election. Presidential elections always bring a lot of energy, said Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey. Winfrey said her office and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson are working together to make sure every vote is counted. They are recruiting and training at least 6,000 election workers to make sure all 182 polling locations and 134 absentee counting boards are fully staffed. They will conduct physically distant in person training at Little Caesars Arena for new election workers to ensure election workers and staff are ready for Nov. 3.

DETROIT Following irregularities in ballot counting in Detroit during the August Primary, the state is stepping in to ensure votes are counted properly for the November General Election. Little Caesars Arena will provide space for physically distant in person training for new election workers to ensure election workers and staff are fully prepared to execute their duties on Election Day. Hiring additional staff to support the City clerks office, including Christopher Thomas, former Michigan Bureau of Elections Director, who will serve as a senior advisor. Revising protocols for ballot counting and sorting to make more effective use of high-speed scanners (tabulators) and reduce the potential for error. The City of Detroit is committed to ensuring our elections are safe, secure, and accessible to all, said Duggan.

DETROIT Tuesday marked a historic primary election in Michigan with a record number of absentee ballots cast. Officials said more than 2 million absentee ballots were requested and more than 1.6 million were returned. That broke the record for absentee ballots by 300,000. On the same ballot, Tlaib won another tight race to serve the full term. In 2018, she lost the absentee ballot portion in both the special and regular election.

DETROIT Polls open tomorrow morning for the primary election and there are several key races were following. READ: Michigan Secretary of State addresses concerns ahead of primary electionA record number of people will be voting absentee, but the polls will still be open for anyone voting in person. Thats a lot for us, especially for a primary, a state primary, Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey said. READ: COVID-19 creates spike in absentee ballot requests ahead of Michigan Primary ElectionWinfrey said Tuesday will be a huge day for voters in Michigan. READ: Michigan Primary Election on Aug. 4, 2020: What to knowIf an individual pulls up to the precinct and says I want to vote today but I dont want to go inside.

DETROIT Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey will hold a news briefing at 11 a.m. Thursday to discuss election reparations, absentee voting and safety protocols for voting in person for the Michigan Primary Election on Aug. 4. This live stream has ended. In-person voting will still be available for the 2020 Michigan Primary Election on Aug. 4 amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic -- however, all Michigan voters now have the option to vote by mail with an absentee ballot. Officials are encouraging Michigan voters to return absentee ballots in person instead of by mail as election day approaches.

DETROIT Michigan has two elections coming up, one in August and the presidential election in November. Right now, election officials are making sure everything will go smoothly. READ: Michigan voters have option of voting by mail for August, November electionsOur goal for August and November is to make sure our voters will be heard, said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. READ: Michigan voters to receive application to vote by mail for August, November electionsThere will be no reason or excuse to allow voters to cast their ballot. READ: Blind Michigan voters use electronic absentee ballots for first time

MICHIGAN (CBS DETROIT) Absentee voting is up in the state of Michigan. Weve already got 700,000 absentee ballots have been returned so 700,000 people have already submitted their absentee ballots and the actual number of people who have requested them is just under a million, said Jake Rollow, Michigan Department of the State spokesperson. This is the first presidential primary since Michigan voters overwhelming passed proposal three in 2018, expanding access to the ballot for voters looking to skip the line on election day. Right now were at a 30 percent increase from last presidential primary as it relates to receiving absentee ballots. We expect to count about 30, 35, maybe even 40,000 absentee ballots on election day so yeah, its pretty busy, said Winfrey.

DETROIT, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) With Michigans Presidential Primary just five days away, City Clerk Janice Winfrey lays out everything voters need to know. Some voters in Detroit are getting out early, ahead of next weeks primary. The city says since the passing of Proposal 3, voters do not need a reason to vote absentee. If an individual is 18, a U.S. citizen, and registered, they should be allowed to vote a ballot, she said. Weve done everything we need to do, to get that vote out, said Winfrey.

DETROIT – Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson spoke with Detroit City Council about an expected surge in voter participation in 2020, and how many voters will likely vote by mail. In 2018, Michigan voters amended the constitution to give all citizens the right to register to vote through election day and to vote by mail without providing a reason. Benson explained that many voters took advantage of these new rights in elections in 2019, and she expects many more will do so in 2020. The increase in voting by mail presents a challenge for clerks, who are currently barred by state law from processing or counting absentee ballots prior to election day. Benson said she supports the clerks and jurisdictions across the state that would like to see the law changed.

DETROIT Detroit City Clerk candidates Janice Winfrey and Garlin Gilchrist debated. Winfrey is the current clerk. Also, see what came from Detroit's Homecoming event last week, including investments in the city's housing. Flashpoint is hosted by WDIV Local 4 anchor Devin Scillian. Watch Flashpoint on WDIV at 10 a.m. on Sundays.

DETROIT Turnout for an August primary is typically unremarkable (unless you find it remarkable that such a small percentage of the citizenry will decide direction of the citys leadership). I should note its noteworthy that this is the citys first run with its new voting machines. RELATED: Michigan Primary Election results - Aug. 8, 2017Clearly, were not on the turf of the primary four years ago when Mike Duggan was forced to mount a write-in campaign. But its a terribly important primary any mayoral election is. But its also the second election of the new council by district system.