Requests for absentee ballots are up by nearly one million compared to 2016, an increase of 350 percent, according to the Michigan Secretary of State.
Compared to this time in 2016 — 35 days before the primary election —the number of applications for absentee ballots is up by 945,605. Michigan has issued nearly 1,006,000 ballots compared to just 283,731 in 2016. More than 35,000 have already been returned, compared to the a little more than 23,800 four years ago.
“Michigan voters have embraced their right to vote from home with enormous enthusiasm,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in a statement.
New voter registration is also up by more than 11,000.
Michigan residents voted to expand voting access in 2018 by allowing all voters to vote absentee without giving a reason. This year, the Michigan Secretary of State mailed an absentee voter application to every Michigan resident to hinder the spread of the coronavirus while encouraging voting.
“This significant increase in those requesting to vote by mail already this year confirms they recognize that this option is a safe, secure and convenient way for them to ensure their voices are heard, even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic,” Benson said.
The decision to mail out absentee ballot applications was originally criticized by President Trump in May, who warned of voter fraud and threatened to withhold federal funding from the state.
Benson said at the time that “by mailing applications, we have ensured that no Michigander has to choose between their health and their right to vote.”
The Secretary of State said voters are encouraged to return their ballots as soon as possible and can do so by mail or bringing it to a local election clerk’s officer or a ballot drop box.
Michigan residents can register to vote and request an absentee ballot here.
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Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected].
