Elections officials are warning people should not expect early results from tomorrow’s primary elections, where voters will choose nominees for Congress, the Legislature and local offices A surge in absentee voting means it will take longer to count absentee ballots once the polls close at 8 P-M. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says the August primaries will also serve as a test for Michigan’s readiness to handle the higher-turnout November elections.
“This year’s elections are taking place with new mandates from voters and amidst a health and economic crisis unlike anything we’ve experienced before,” Benson said.
A 2018 voter-approved amendment makes it easier for Michigan voters to cast absentee ballots. And there’s more interest in voting absentee due to the COVID-19 health threat. Local elections officials say they’re also taking steps to ensure the health and safety of elections workers and people who show up at polls to vote in person.