Election Excitement Builds in Michigan as November 5 Approaches
The friendly chatter of residents fills the air in Detroit as the city gears up for the upcoming presidential election on November 5. With less than a week left, the buzz is palpable! It seems like everyone has something to say about the election, and the numbers show just how invested people are this time around.
As reported by the Associated Press, over 51 million votes have already been cast across the country as of Tuesday. In Michigan alone, nearly 7.3 million voters are registered, and close to 2 million absentee and early voting ballots have been cast so far. That translates to an impressive turnout of 27.4% — a clear sign that Michiganders are excited and engaged.
Record-Setting Early Voting
This election marks the first presidential election since Michigan’s voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2022, mandating 10 days of early voting for all state and federal elections. Early voting kicked off on October 26 in Oakland County, where about 46,944 people have already cast their votes in person, alongside 239,524 absentee ballots that were returned from a total of 366,966 sent. This brings the preliminary turnout in the county to nearly 31%.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Over in Detroit, the city is witnessing its own lively turnout. Early voting began on October 22, and by Tuesday morning, 22.5% of voters had participated — with 15,268 early in-person voters and 75,403 absentee ballots returned out of 110,518 sent. It’s clear that people are taking their civic duty to heart!
Breaking It Down by City
It’s not just the big cities that are getting in on the action. Other communities are seeing their fair share of enthusiasm too:
- Farmington Hills: 32.8% turnout with 2,017 early in-person ballots and 16,271 absentee ballots returned out of 24,855 sent.
- Rochester Hills: 32.7% turnout with 2,684 early in-person ballots and 14,978 absentee ballots returned out of 23,054 sent.
- Southfield: 31.9% turnout with 2,293 early in-person ballots and 15,428 absentee ballots returned out of 22,793 sent.
- Novi: 34.5% turnout with 2,119 in-person ballots and 12,416 absentee ballots returned out of 17,845 sent.
- West Bloomfield Township: 35.2% turnout with 2,640 early in-person ballots and 15,433 absentee ballots returned out of 22,772 sent.
Each of these communities showcases a vibrant democracy at work, where every vote really does count!
Staying Safe and Informed
Coupled with the excitement of increased participation is a lingering concern for safety, especially after the events of January 6, 2021. Authorities have been vigilant, especially in states like Oregon and Washington, where several fires were reported in ballot drop boxes. Citizens are understandably cautious but remain hopeful that their voices will be heard peacefully.
The closing statements from candidates are just around the corner, with both camps planning significant events. As the final days of campaigning unfold, Oakland County residents can still participate in the early voting frenzy up until November 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day — with later hours on Thursdays.
Making Your Voice Heard
If you are planning to vote, make sure to check the status of your absentee application or ballot online at Michigan.gov/Vote. Remember, it’s too late to mail your ballots back, but they can still be hand-delivered at early voting sites. And if you haven’t registered yet, make sure to do it in person by 8 p.m. on November 5!
This election day is shaping up to be a memorable one in Michigan, and with so much enthusiasm brewing, every voter’s voice matters more than ever!
