LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan’s first statewide early voting day was a hit, smashing expectations with over 145,000 ballots cast on Saturday, October 26th. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson described the turnout as a “new tradition of early voting” that’s here to stay.

Big crowds at early voting sites.

Twelve early voting sites across Michigan reported more than 1,000 ballots each, marking a major milestone in voter engagement. The expansion of early voting, spurred by a 2022 constitutional amendment, is designed to make voting more flexible and accessible.

Detroit sets the pace, East Lansing follows close behind.

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Detroit voters started early, casting ballots as soon as October 19th, while East Lansing and Canton Township kicked off their early voting on October 21st. This general election is the first in Michigan to offer nine days of early in-person voting, with some areas allowing up to 28 days.

Early voting and absentee ballot count update.

As of 7:20 a.m. this morning, 1,602,831 absentee ballots had been returned in the state of Michigan. The total number of votes cast in the state is reported to be 27.4% of active registered voters who participated through early or absentee voting. Of this total, 389,644 ballots were cast through in-person early voting across the state since it started.

Making it “too big to rig.”

Miranda Wellman, a Perry resident, was among those eager to vote early, citing concerns about potential Election Day issues. Inspired by the slogan used by Trump and his supporters “Make it too big to rig,” she headed to the Sgt Clay W. Reeves Veterans Center in Corunna on Saturday to ensure her ballot was counted early.

Wellman’s experience wasn’t without its challenges. She faced nearly three hours of waiting in Shiawassee County, with lines wrapping around the building. County officials reassured voters with extended hours and additional staff to manage the heavy turnout. Many voters shared Wellman’s concerns with her, emphasizing the need for a strong early showing to minimize potential tampering with ballots and election results.

Early voting: flexibility meets security.

Benson highlighted that early voting is all about choice, providing options for voters whether they prefer to vote early, by mail, or in person on Election Day. “Your vote is secure, and the results will reflect the will of the people,” Benson assured.

Stats in Michigan and around the country.

As of October 27th, the top five Michigan counties where voters have cast their ballots during the early voting period are the counties of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Kent and Genesee. The top five counties for voting by mail are Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Kent and Washtenaw.

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The Associated Press reported on Monday afternoon that the national number of in-person early voting in the country was sitting at almost 19 million, breaking records in swing states such as Georgia and North Carolina. And NBC reports that over 44 million early votes have been cast either by mail or in person with the Democrats having the slight edge with 42% of registered Democrats casting their votes vs. 40% of registered Republicans.

Although Republicans are reporting that early voting in swing states is looking good for them, left- learning outlets are trying to throw water on the fire by saying that it’s only known, in some states, which party the voter is registered with, not who they actually voted for.

Additionally, the progressive news website Vox reports, “More Republicans are voting early than in the past. That doesn’t mean Trump will win.” The question is whether these early votes are extra votes or if they are replacement votes that would have been made on Election Day – and as always, who gets the higher turnout.

Online resources.

With same-day registration now in effect, Michigan voters have even more ways to participate in elections. For daily updates, visit michigan.gov/VotingDashboard, and find your local early voting site at michigan.gov/EarlyVoting.