Detroit Kicks Off Early Voting for 2024 Election!
Hey there, Detroit! Exciting news is buzzing around the city as early voting has officially begun for the upcoming general election! Residents have already started casting their ballots at community centers, and more locations will open up across Michigan this weekend. This is a big milestone for Detroit, being the first city in Michigan to set the ball rolling on early voting. Can you feel the energy in the air?
What’s Early Voting All About?
So, what’s the fuss about early voting? Well, let me break it down for you. Michigan introduced early voting after a proposal received overwhelming support in 2022. During the primaries earlier this year, people got a sneak peek into how smooth the early voting process can be, but with the general election around the corner on November 5, expectations are sky-high for turnout. The early voting period starts no later than October 26 and must run for nine consecutive days, ending the Sunday before the election.
Where Can You Vote Early?
Now, if you’re raring to vote early, you’ll be glad to know that Michigan law mandates at least one early voting site in every city and township. Local clerks have the freedom to choose the best locations based on the population density, site accessibility, and historical voter turnout.
In Oakland County, for instance, they’ve got their teamwork on point! There are 18 regional early voting sites and a central site at the Waterford Oaks Activity Center. This means you don’t have to travel far to cast your vote! Some of the other locations in Oakland County include:
- Oak Park Community Center: 14300 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park, MI 48237
- Hazel Park Community Center: 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd., Hazel Park, MI 48030
- Leo Mahany/Harold Meininger Senior Center: 3500 Marais Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48073
- Southfield Pavilion: 26000 Evergreen Rd., Southfield, MI 48076
- Costick Activities Center: 28600 W. Eleven Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48336
- …and many more!
With so many options, you can easily find a location that fits your schedule, whether you’re in Farmington, Clawson, or even up in Rochester Hills.
How Does Early Voting Work?
Voting early is just like voting on Election Day. You’ll receive a ballot, fill it out, and drop it into a tabulator at the early voting site. Simple, right? One important thing to keep in mind is that you cannot register to vote at these early voting sites unless you’re at a clerk’s or a clerk’s satellite office. Therefore, it’s best to register ahead of time to save you from any last-minute hiccups!
If you’re thinking about voting absentee, that’s also an option! You can fill out your absentee ballot at home and mail it back. But here’s a little tip: if you want, you can bring your absentee ballot to an early voting site and submit it just like a regular ballot.
Get Out and Vote!
As we dive deeper into this election season, it’s critical to take advantage of the early voting opportunity. Whether you’re a longtime voter or casting your ballot for the first time, every vote counts. We’re excited to see how this new process plays out and how many Detroiters will participate!
So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and let’s make our voices heard. After all, Detroit, it’s your time to shine!
