VOTING IN MICHIGAN

See the full list of reasons for rejected Michigan ballots in the table below. In the August primary election, about 10,600 of 1.6 million absentee ballots (less than 1 percent) were rejected in Michigan. The state’s previous record was 2.5 million votes cast in the Aug. 2020 primary election, which also beat a record of 2.2 million votes cast in the Aug. 2018 primary. The 3.3 million Michigan absent voter ballots cast this November beat the state’s previous record of 1.6 million votes cast in the Aug. 2020 primary election. Before then, the highest number of absent voter ballots cast in Michigan was 1.3 million in the 2016 presidential election.

As Michigan votes continue to be counted, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is tweeting updates on the state’s voter participation and ballot tabulation numbers. 4:08 p.m. update on Nov. 4:Proud of all the election workers who are meticulously, securely, transparently, tirelessly continuing to #CountEveryVote in Michigan. 9:10 a.m. update on Nov. 4:Michigan update: recently updated and reported results now include absentee ballots voted by citizens in Livonia and Dearborn. pic.twitter.com/LmIaDTQ5cy — Jocelyn Benson (@JocelynBenson) November 4, 2020Secretary Benson’s 7:06 a.m. update on November 4 reads:“Michigan update: Election officials worked through the night to #CountEveryVote. — Jocelyn Benson (@JocelynBenson) November 3, 2020Secretary Benson’s 3:49 p.m. update on November 3 reads:"Update from Michigan:

If you voted in person in Michigan for the presidential election, did you encounter any issues? What concerns do you have? Let us know using the form below:More: 2020 General Election Coverage

Proposal N -- on the Nov. General Election ballot for Detroit voters -- aims to eradicate blight and dilapidation across the city. Proposal N would allow the city of Detroit to sell $250 million in “Neighborhood Improvement Bonds” that will be used to save 8,000 vacant homes and demolish 8,000 others that can’t be saved. Those behind Proposal N are hoping to make real headway without hurting Detroiters. The fight against Prop N isn’t about money, but rather how the city has previously spent money. Election Day for the U.S. presidential election is on Nov. 3.

DETROIT – A group of classical musicians are using their talents to encourage Detroiters to vote in the presidential election on Tuesday. Musician Alycia Wilder-Mollison and her string quartet are partnering with Declare Detroit to hold a virtual concert on Sunday in an effort to inspire people to vote. Francis Grunow with Declare Detroit says the group has been working tirelessly to encourage Detroit residents to vote and make their voices heard in the 2020 General Election. Wilder-Mollison says she, her string quartet and a vocalist will play the gospel song “We Shall Overcome," which became an anthem during the Civil Rights Movement. Related: Barack Obama, Stevie Wonder to campaign with Joe Biden in Detroit, Flint on Halloween

President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump made his second stop in Michigan this week at the Oakland County International Airport on Friday. During his remarks, President Trump took several shots at Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and her response to the coronavirus pandemic. President Trump said his administration is taking an “optimistic approach” to tackling the coronavirus pandemic. Due to a recent rise in COVID cases throughout much of the U.S., crowd sizes for Trump’s campaign rallies have been cut down to 250 attendees. Biden will be joined by President Barack Obama during a campaign stop in Michigan on Saturday.

In addition to the races for office in the November election, Michigan voters should prepare to vote on a few proposals that would change the state’s constitution. Proposition 2, also known as Prop 2, would prohibit unreasonable searches or seizures of electronic data and communication by law enforcement. For years police have used technology, such as Stingray or Hailstorm, to collect broad data from cell phones. The measure has also been backed by the Michigan State Police, but some are concerned that the proposal could impede the work of law enforcement. If the proposal is passed this election, it would...Election Day for the U.S. presidential election is on November 3.

In addition to the races for office in the November election, Michigan voters should prepare to vote on a few proposals that would change the state’s constitution. Proposition 1, also known as Prop 1, will change the way Michigan buys new land and renovates state parks. Specifically, the proposition impacts how much money Michigan can hold in the trust the funds state parks, and where that money ultimately goes. The proposition on the 2020 General Election ballot has been a long time coming -- the last major change to how Michigan funds state parks occurred in the mid 1990s. It is also supported by business groups like the Michigan Oil and Gas Association and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Gretchen Whitmer is holding a news conference Wednesday to discuss voting in the upcoming General Election. You can watch live in the stream above. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel. The goal is to ensure a convenient and flexible election to Michiganders, state officials said. Click here to view ClickOnDetroit’s full coverage of the election.

Voting in the 2020 U.S. presidential election is already underway in Michigan with early in-person voting and absentee voting. All Michigan voters are eligible to vote using an absent voter ballot. You can apply to receive an absent voter ballot on the state’s website right here. Michigan voters registered to vote at their current address can request an absentee ballot in person at their local clerk’s office anytime up to 4 p.m. on the day before Election Day -- which is November 2. Once completed, your absentee ballot must be returned to your local clerk’s office no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3.

Nessel took to Twitter Wednesday to debunk election security myths and encourage Michigan residents to vote in the 2020 presidential election -- with a timely, spooky twist, of course. Michigan voters can be assured that the claims made in the robocalls are false, and that their information will not be made public. Though Election Day is officially November 3, voting in the 2020 presidential election is already underway in Michigan and throughout the U.S. with early in-person voting and mail-in voting. If you would like to vote in person, but still want to do so before Election Day, visit your local clerk’s office. Click here to find the location and contact information for your local clerk’s office in Michigan.

Filling out your Michigan absent voter ballotIt’s important to be cautious and follow directions precisely when filling out a Michigan absent voter ballot to ensure it is counted on Election Day. Inside of your official Michigan absent voter ballot envelope is a brightly-colored “secrecy sleeve” containing your ballot. Packaging your absent voter ballot once it’s completedOnce you’ve filled out your Michigan absent voter ballot for the 2020 General Election, place it inside of the brightly-colored secrecy sleeve that it was initially presented in. To return your absent voter ballot on time, you have two options:Return your absent voter ballot in personYou can return your completed absent voter ballot by delivering it to your local clerk’s office before the 8 p.m. deadline on November 3. Return your absent voter ballot by mailYou can also return your completed absent voter ballot by mailing it to your local clerk’s office -- though this option is not recommended as the deadline to return your ballot approaches.

But are Michigan voters required to wear face masks to the polls? The answer is no, Michigan voters are not required to wear face masks while voting in person for the General Election on November 3. Michigan voters who feel uncomfortable voting in person amid the pandemic now have the option to vote by mail using an absent voter ballot. The state of Michigan mailed absentee voting applications to all registered Michigan voters in May for this year’s August and November elections. There is still time for Michigan voters to request a mail-in ballot for the General Election on November 3.

Whitmer said she believes there could still be serious threats out there, but the state is prepared to keep voters safe on election day. I’m protected by the Michigan State Police and they are an incredibly professional organization,” Whitmer said. And I want to remind Michiganders that you can vote today. You can go into the clerk’s office and cast your vote today. “I’m not worried but we are preparing to make sure that we do everything to keep people safe,” Whitmer said.

DETROIT – This Hispanic Heritage Month, one Detroit artist is using his talent to urge minorities to vote ahead of the November election. The young artist from southwest Detroit has an impressive following on social media, but his mural projects are about more than garnering likes. “(It) would be amazing if I could use my platform for something positive.”The first-generation Mexican American has never registered to vote before. Freddy picked a spot in Southwest Detroit for his mural, at the corner of Joy Road and Piedmont Street, to reach other minority and first-time voters. You can vote from home, and it doesn’t have to be on November 2 or 3 -- you can vote early,” Diaz said.

Michigan voters who feel uncomfortable voting in person amid the pandemic now have the option to vote by mail using an absent voter ballot. The state of Michigan mailed absentee voting applications to all registered Michigan voters in May for this year’s August and November elections. There is still time for Michigan voters to request a mail-in ballot for the General Election on November 3. You can apply to receive an absent voter ballot on the state’s website right here. Learn more: Voting by mail in Michigan for 2020 General Election: What to knowDo you need a voter registration card in order to vote in person?

Are Michigan polls still open for in-person voting during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic? All registered Michigan voters do also have the option to instead vote by mail using an absent voter ballot. Vote-by-mail option for Michigan votersThe state of Michigan mailed absentee voting applications to all registered Michigan voters in May for both this year’s August and November elections. Click here to learn more about voting by mail in Michigan for the 2020 General Election. Click here to view a sample of your Michigan ballot for the 2020 General Election.

Political robocalls and texts are getting out of control, but there is a way to get them to stop -- for now. If you feel like you’ve received a political scam call, it’s important you report it to local police and the Better Business Bureau who will track the areas being targeted. We’re also seeing robocall scam calls. If you feel like you’ve received a political scam call it’s important you report it to local police and the Better Business Bureau who will track the areas being targeted. If you’ve been the victim of a robocall scam, report it on the BBB.org/ScamTracker.

DETROIT – Two men are facing felony charges in Michigan after allegedly orchestrating robocalls meant to discourage voters from voting by mail in the presidential election by making false claims. According to officials, an investigation revealed that the robocalls have been reported in Detroit and a number of other cities across New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois. “Any effort to interfere with, intimidate or intentionally mislead Michigan voters will be met with swift and severe consequences,” Nessel said. “This effort specifically targeted minority voters in an attempt to deter them from voting in the November election. Read: Trust Index: Fact-checking claims about absentee voting made during Trump-Biden debateThe official charges against Burkman and Wohl can be viewed in the document below.

DETROIT – Two men are facing felony charges in Michigan after allegedly orchestrating robocalls meant to discourage voters from voting by mail in the presidential election by making false claims. According to officials, an investigation revealed that the robocalls have been reported in Detroit and a number of other cities across New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois. “Any effort to interfere with, intimidate or intentionally mislead Michigan voters will be met with swift and severe consequences,” Nessel said. “This effort specifically targeted minority voters in an attempt to deter them from voting in the November election. Read: Trust Index: Fact-checking claims about absentee voting made during Trump-Biden debateThe official charges against Burkman and Wohl can be viewed in the document below.

Once you’re officially registered to vote in Michigan, you will be assigned a physical polling location at which you can vote on Election Day. How to request an absent voter ballot in Michigan for the 2020 General ElectionIf you’re registered to vote and hoping to vote absentee in Michigan for the 2020 General Election but have not yet requested an absent voter ballot, don’t worry -- you still have time. Michigan also allows same-day voter registration -- meaning you can register to vote on Election Day. Absent voter ballots will be mailed out to Michigan voters as early as 40 days before Election Day, which is September 24 for the 2020 General Election. Learn more about voting by mail in Michigan for the 2020 General Election here.

When Benson announced the mass mailing, she was criticized by President Donald Trump, who wrongly stated that she was sending absentee ballots, not applications. The previous record for absent voter ballots cast in a Michigan election was 1.3 million in the 2016 Presidential Election. Already, about 2.3 million absentee ballots have been requested for the fall election, which Benson said puts Michigan on track to receive more than 3 million that are completed. Of the 7.7 million registered voters in Michigan, about 5 million are expected to participate in the upcoming election, officials said in August. About 10,000 absent voter ballots were rejected in Michigan’s Primary Election in August.

Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson spoke Wednesday about how and when residents can vote. They also voiced big concerns about counting the record-breaking number of absentee ballots expected. Polls will still be open on election day despite the pandemic with significant precautions being taken. Some are worried that counting all the absentee ballots won’t get results quickly. The State Senate passed a measure allowing clerks to begin processing absentee ballots the day before the election.

While absent voter ballots provide a safe alternative to voting in person at the polls on Election Day, the process of counting absent voter ballots can determine how quickly, or not, final election results are announced. Processing absent voter ballots in MichiganThe process for counting absent voter ballots is different in each state. In Michigan, election workers are not allowed to begin processing absent voter ballots until 7 a.m. on Election Day. The previous record for absent voter ballots cast in a Michigan election was 1.3 million in the 2016 Presidential Election. Polling precincts will still be open for Michigan voters from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Most Michigan residents who are at least 18 years of age are eligible to register to vote and to vote. Michigan residents have the option to register to vote on the day of an election -- which, in this case, is Nov. 3. Once you’re officially registered to vote in Michigan, you will be assigned a physical polling location at which you can vote on Election Day. How to request an absent voter ballot in Michigan for the 2020 General ElectionIf you’re registered to vote and hoping to vote absentee in Michigan for the 2020 General Election but have not yet requested an absent voter ballot, don’t worry -- you still have time. Absent voter ballots will be mailed out to Michigan voters as early as 40 days before Election Day, which is September 24 for the 2020 General Election.

The state of Michigan mailed absentee voting applications to all registered Michigan voters in May for this years August and November elections. Michigan voters who have already requested an absent voter ballot for the November election can begin receiving their ballot up to 40 days prior to Election Day -- which is September 24. If youre hoping to vote absentee in Michigan for the 2020 General Election but have not yet requested an absent voter ballot, dont worry -- you still have time. You can apply to receive an absent voter ballot on the states website right here. To check on the status of an absent voter ballot application, registered Michigan voters are encouraged to contact their city or township clerks office directly.

The state of Michigan mailed absentee voting applications to all registered Michigan voters in May for this years August and November elections. Filling out a Michigan absent voter ballot for the 2020 General ElectionOnce you receive your absent voter ballot in the mail, it simply needs to be filled out following the written instructions attached and returned before the deadline. Inside of your official Michigan absent voter ballot envelope is a brightly-colored secrecy sleeve containing your ballot. Returning your completed Michigan absent voter ballotCompleted absent voter ballots for the 2020 General Election must be received by your local clerks office by 8 p.m. on November 3. Packaging your absent voter ballot once its completedOnce youve filled out your Michigan absent voter ballot for the 2020 General Election, place it inside of the brightly-colored secrecy sleeve that it was initially presented in.

According to Benson, just over 2.5 million Michigan voters participated in Tuesdays primary election, surpassing the states previous record of 2.2 million in the Aug. 2018 Primary Election. The previous record for absentee ballots casted in a Michigan election was 1.3 million in the 2016 Presidential Election. The increase in absentee voting in Michigan is partially due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but is also due to new voting rights. Voter participation in the May election had already surpassed participation in previous May elections before election day even arrived. Many Michigan ballots were delivered to local clerks offices after election day, though they were postmarked prior to election day.

Those who applied to receive an absentee ballot for the Michigan primary should have already received it in the mail. Because the Michigan Primary Election focuses on supporting local representatives, ballots will significantly vary from district to district and county to county. Every Michigan ballot will, however, share the first line of candidates running for seats in the U.S. Congress (pictured below). A sample ballot for the Michigan primary election on August 4, 2020. ClickOnDetroit will compile Michigan election results.

Applying for a Michigan absentee ballotAll registered Michigan voters now have the option to vote by mail using absent voter ballots. Those who applied to receive an absentee ballot for the Michigan primary should have already received it in the mail. Filling out an absentee ballot for the 2020 Michigan Primary ElectionIts important to be cautious and follow directions exactly when filling out a Michigan absentee ballot in order for it to be counted on election day. Inside of your official Michigan absent voter ballot envelope is a brightly-colored secrecy sleeve containing your absentee ballot. Note: In-person voting will still be available for the 2020 Michigan Primary Election on Aug. 4, even amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The 2020 Michigan Primary Election is coming up, and absentee ballots have to be returned before polls close at 8 p.m. on August 4. To return your absentee ballot on time, you have two options:Return your absentee ballot by mailYou can return your completed absentee ballot by mailing it to your local clerks office. The back of the envelope containing the completed absentee ballot must be signed by the voter or it will not be counted. Those who applied to receive an absentee ballot for the Michigan primary should have already received it in the mail. In-person voting will still be available for the 2020 Michigan Primary Election on Aug. 4, even amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Gretchen Whitmer clarified on Friday the states new face mask requirements amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, naming five situations in which face masks are not required to be worn -- including at polling places. The new order also requires businesses to deny entry or service to individuals who dont comply with face mask requirements. The state of Michigan mailed absentee voting applications to all registered Michigan voters in May. To determine if your local clerk has a drop box available to receive absentee ballots, contact their office directly. Related: Court: Michigan absentee ballots that come after election wont count

The 2020 Michigan Primary Election is coming up on August 4 -- and if you plan to vote in person, it may be helpful to know what your ballot will look like ahead of time. Because the upcoming Michigan Primary Election focuses on supporting local representatives, ballots will significantly vary from district to district and county to county. Every Michigan ballot will, however, share the first line of candidates running for seats in the U.S. Congress (pictured below). A sample ballot for the Michigan primary election on August 4, 2020. Those who applied to receive an absentee ballot for the Michigan primary should have already received it in the mail.

The 2020 Michigan Primary Election is coming up on August 4 amid rising coronavirus (COVID-19) cases across the state. Face masks are not required to be worn when voting in person in Michigan, according to Gov. Michigan voters who feel uncomfortable voting in person amid the pandemic now have the option to vote by mail with an absentee ballot. The state of Michigan mailed absentee voting applications to all registered Michigan voters in May. Those who applied to receive an absentee ballot for the Michigan primary should have already received it in the mail.

The 2020 Michigan Primary Election is on Tuesday, August 4. The state of Michigan mailed absentee voting applications to all registered Michigan voters in May. Those who applied to receive an absentee ballot for the Michigan primary should have already received it in the mail. Absentee ballots can be returned by mail so long as it is received by 8 p.m. on August 4. Every Michigan ballot will, however, share the first line of candidates running for seats in the U.S. Congress (pictured below).

LANSING, Mich. With the threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19) present throughout the country, some states have encouraged absentee voting ahead of presidential primary and general elections. Bensons office mailed about 740,000 absentee ballot applications to Michigan voters ahead of the May elections. Now the office is ensuring that absentee ballot applications are mailed to all 7.7 million registered voters in Michigan. Officials say that more than one million absentee ballots have been issued to Michigan voters as of Thursday. Trump falsely accused Benson of illegally sending absentee ballots to all Michigan residents ahead of this years elections.

LANSING, Mich. The Michigan Department of States Bureau of Elections has launched an online platform to provide voters with another method of digitally submitting their absent voter ballot application at Michigan.gov/Vote. Clerks will be alerted of the request and be able to see the application and signature. After verification, local clerks are then able to mail the ballot to the voter within the appropriate timeframe for the election theyve requested to vote absentee. Voters must sign the ballot return envelope and the signature must be verified and matched to the voters record for the ballot to be counted. To fill out an online application, registered voters can visit Michigan.gov/Vote and click Apply for an Absent Voter Ballot Online.READ MORE ELECTION COVERAGE: