The Michigan presidential primary was held on Tuesday, providing communities in the state with the opportunity to count absentee ballots for the first time. This change in the election process meant that election officials in Metro Detroit had to adapt to a whole new ballgame. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump emerged as the winners of the Michigan primaries, solidifying their positions for a likely rematch. Election clerks across the state worked tirelessly to administer the new voting laws and handle the increased number of absentee ballots.

Election Officials Adapt to New Voting Process

With the introduction of early voting in Michigan, election officials faced the challenge of implementing the state’s new voting laws and handling the earlier primary date. Clerks from around Huron County shared their experiences leading up to the election day. Despite concerns about voter fraud and privacy violations, the Department of Attorney General worked closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure a safe and secure election. As early, in-person voting continued throughout the week, officials anticipated a lower voter turnout for the primary.

Concerns and Low Voter Turnout

While early voting was going smoothly in Huron County, less than 1,000 voters cast their ballots in the first weekend of early voting in Kent and Ottawa counties. This raised concerns about the overall participation in the election. Additionally, some voters in Metro Detroit reported privacy violations before even casting their votes in the Michigan presidential primary. It is important for election officials to address these concerns and promote a coordinated effort to maintain a safe and secure Election Day.

Summary:

The Michigan presidential primary allowed communities in the state to count absentee ballots for the first time.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump emerged as winners, solidifying a likely rematch.

Election officials had to adapt to new voting laws and handle the increased number of absentee ballots.

Early voting in Huron County went well, but there were concerns about low voter turnout in Kent and Ottawa counties.

Some voters in Metro Detroit reported privacy violations before casting their votes.

Sources:

YouTube: Absentee ballot processing are underway for Michigan primary (Video)

FOX 2 (WJBK): Violations of privacy reported in Michigan Presidential primary

The Detroit News: Early voting going well according to Huron County clerks, low turnout expected