Absentee voting kicks off in Michigan’s general election

Thursday marked the first day of absentee voting in Michigan’s general election, with local officials using the occasion to reassure residents about the safety and security of voting. Grand Rapids City Clerk Joel Hondorp said the election disinformation is a distraction, noting that carrying out elections is expensive and takes time, and that resources must be dedicated to combating false claims. He spoke at a press conference hosted by the ACLU of Michigan.

During last month’s primary, federal observers were stationed in Lansing and East Lansing, and Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum said monitors may return for the general election. She said the intent was to make voters worry and question the integrity of our elections, but truth be told, we have poll watchers all the time. Byrum and other speakers encouraged people to sign up to work at polling sites if they’re concerned about election integrity.

The group Promote the Vote is among those working to restore confidence from the doubters. Election protection director Mackenzie Walz said her group is encouraging people to see how elections are run, urging observers to meet clerks, see how tabulators are programmed, and attend local county board of canvasser meetings. Non‑commercial, fact‑based reporting is made possible by your financial support. Make your donation to WEMU today to keep your community NPR station thriving. Contact WEMU News at 734.487.3363 or email us at [email protected].

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