General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsAll Michigan voters receive application to vote by mail
Secretary of State Jocelyn BensonBy mailing applications, we have ensured that no Michigander has to choose between their health and their right to vote, said Benson. Voting by mail is easy, convenient, safe, and secure, and every voter in Michigan has the right to do it.
Of the 7.7 million registered voters in the state, about 1.3 million are on the permanent absent voter list, and their local election clerk mails them applications ahead of every election. Additionally, some jurisdictions are mailing applications to all local registered voters. The Michigan Department of States Bureau of Elections has ensured all remaining registered voters receive an application.
We appreciate that some clerks are proactively protecting public health by mailing applications to all their registered voters, and we are fulfilling our responsibility to provide all voters equal access, said Benson. We know from the elections that took place this month that during the pandemic Michiganders want to safely vote.
Record-breaking turnout was recorded in the approximately 50 elections held across 33 counties on May 5, with nearly 25 percent of eligible voters casting ballots and 99 percent of them doing so by mail or in a drop box. From 2010 to 2019, average turnout in local elections in May was 12 percent.
The application mailing from the Bureau of Elections includes a cover letter with instructions from Secretary Benson. Once a voter signs their application, they can mail it or email a photo of it to their local clerk, whose contact information is included on the application. The application is also available for download at Michigan.gov/Vote. At the same website, voters can also register and join the permanent absent voter list so they always have the option to vote by mail.
The vast majority of voters across the political spectrum want the option to vote by mail, said Benson. Mailing applications to all registered voters is one of the ways that we are ensuring Michigans elections will continue to be safe, accurate and secure.
Siwsan
(26,275 posts)Now I hear that 'He Who Must Not Be Obeyed' is throwing a hissy fit, saying it's illegal. Well, Michigan now has a 'no reason needed' absentee voting system so how can it possibly be illegal? Rhetorical question, of course.
True Blue American
(17,986 posts)Not to fund the state. DeWine and Husted both said, All Ohioans will vote. They sent out prepaid postage in the Primary, but you had to request them.
This time I expect all will get forms.
Siwsan
(26,275 posts)Now that the current Governor is striving to save lives, he's out to kill us, himself.
Maeve
(42,283 posts)A courtesy for presidential years. My mom was disappointed that it didn't happen in 2018 and I had to go online and download the application for her.
I get an application every election in the mail about working the polls.
True Blue American
(17,986 posts)Depends on your local board.
Husted was forced to send them one year to everyone after he lost law suit after lawsuit. But I do expect them this year. I worked the polls until I could no longer handle the long days. I feel for those board members who try so hard to get a clean election.
It is easier now with the advances but they still have trouble getting poll workers. One of the reasons I want all Mail.
Renew Deal
(81,866 posts)ProudMNDemocrat
(16,786 posts)And more people are doing that..
It is states that run elections. Trump can piss and moan all he wants. He cannot dictate what states do to please HIM.
True Blue American
(17,986 posts)rockfordfile
(8,704 posts)ProudMNDemocrat
(16,786 posts)I have been voting this way for 2 election cycles now. Early in person , no excuse Absentee voting is secure. I show my ID to verify my receipt to get my ballot for the proper Preceint/Ward so I can vote. Envelopes sealed and placed in the ballot box. Takes less than 15 minutes. I will do this for the General in 2020 as well. Wether or not I Election Judge this time, is another story.
Minnesota also has same day Voter Registration.