Michigan Sets New Records for Mail and Early Voting in Primary Election

Introduction

Michigan just had a primary election, and something big happened: more people than ever before voted by mail or showed up early at polling places. The state’s deputy secretary of state, Aghogho Edevbie, shared these exciting numbers after the polls closed.

What Happened?

In simple terms:

• Mail voting means you fill out your ballot at home and send it through the mail (or drop it in a secure box).
• Early voting means you go to a polling place before Election Day and vote in person.

Both methods hit record highs in this primary.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Here are the exact figures from the press conference:

Mail Voting

• Total mail ballots cast: Over 1.3 million
• Increase from August 2022: 226,000 more people voted by mail compared to the last similar primary.

Early In-Person Voting

• Total early voters: More than 139,000
• Increase from August 2024: A 90% jump from the first year early voting was offered in Michigan (August 2024).

Important Points

• These are primary election records, not general election records.
• Early voting in Michigan is relatively new — it started in August 2024.
• The comparisons are made to the most recent similar elections (August 2022 for mail voting, August 2024 for early voting).

Why Does This Matter?

• More access, more participation: When voting is easier (you can do it from your kitchen table or on a Saturday two weeks before Election Day), more people actually vote.
• Trend toward convenience: Michigan voters are clearly embracing flexible options.
• Election officials can plan better: High early/mail turnout means fewer long lines on Election Day itself.

How to Vote Early or by Mail in Michigan (Simple Steps)

If you’re a Michigan voter and want to try these methods next time:

1. Check your registration – Make sure you’re registered at your current address.
2. Request a mail ballot – You can do this online, by mail, or in person at your clerk’s office. No excuse needed!
3. Fill it out carefully – Follow the instructions, sign the envelope, and seal it.
4. Return it early – Mail it at least two weeks before the election, or drop it in a secure ballot drop box.
5. Or vote early in person – Find your early voting site (usually your city/township hall) and go during the early voting period (at least 9 days before Election Day).

Summary

Michigan’s latest primary showed a huge leap in both mail voting (1.3M+ ballots, up 226K from 2022) and early in-person voting (139K+ voters, up 90% from its first year in 2024). This signals that voters love having flexible, convenient ways to cast their ballots — and they’re using them in record numbers.

FAQ

Q: What is a primary election?
A: A primary is an election where voters choose which candidates will represent their political party in the general election (the main election in November).

Q: Do I need a reason to vote by mail in Michigan?
A: No! Since 2018, any registered voter in Michigan can request a mail ballot for any reason — or no reason at all.

Q: When did early voting start in Michigan?
A: Early in-person voting became available statewide starting with the August 2024 primary.

Q: How many people voted early in this primary?
A: More than 139,000 people voted early in person — that’s a 90% increase from the first early voting period in August 2024.

Q: Are these records for all elections or just primaries?
A: These records are specifically for primary elections. General elections (like the presidential election in November) typically have much higher turnout overall.