Novi Gears Up for Election Day with High Absentee Ballot Returns
Get ready, folks! As we approach Election Day, excitement is filling the air in Novi. Voters are already casting their ballots, and local clerks are busy ensuring a smooth voting process. With just over a month to go, absentee voting is gaining momentum, and many voters are opting for the convenience it offers.
Early Voting and Absentee Ballots Are Off to a Great Start
Recently, the Novi clerk’s office mailed out 15,000 absentee ballots. Almost immediately, over 1,000 voters returned their ballots, either by dropping them into secure drop boxes or by delivering them directly to clerk staff. One such voter, 75-year-old Donna Freund, shared her reasons for voting absentee this year: “I’m not going to take any chances,” she said, emphasizing her preference for safety over tradition. “I like the tradition of voting at the polls, but being older, health and weather can be unpredictable.”
Clearly, she’s not alone in this thinking. Cortney Hanson, the Novi City Clerk, along with fellow clerks from Livonia and Lyon Township, shares a positive outlook on absentee voting this year. They noticed a significant increase in residents signing up for the permanent absentee ballot list and the surge in requests for ballots.
Livonia’s Impressive Numbers
Across the way in Livonia, Clerk Lori Miller has reported quite the absentees affair. In just one week, she mailed out a staggering 24,924 absentee ballots, which is about a third of the city’s 82,480 registered voters! “We are drowning in paperwork,” said Miller. “I think it’s great!” With around 250 applications coming in daily, it’s clear that many voters prefer to vote by mail this time around.
It’s interesting to note that while clerks hope the numbers compare favorably to the record-breaking 2020 elections, predicting turnout is tricky this time. As Hanson puts it, “I wish I had a crystal ball to know how many absentee ballots we’ll see.”
The Comfort of Early Voting
In a fascinating twist, Novi has partnered with Oakland County to pilot early voting, allowing residents to cast their ballots in person nine days before the big day. Last year, a total of 517 voters took advantage of this option, proving that local initiatives can bring the community together. Early voters like Aaron Martinez appreciate the convenience of absentee ballots, enabling him to submit his vote well in advance. “I like it because it’s convenient and allows me to get it done a month before election day,” he said.
Interestingly, his wife enjoys the traditional in-person voting experience, relishing in getting a sticker and chatting with clerks. This speaks to a common dichotomy among voters—balancing tradition with practicality.
Tracking and Updating Votes
This year brings more technological ease to the voting process. Voters can effortlessly track their ballots through the Secretary of State’s website. Post-submission, Martinez received a confirmation email about his ballot—the kind of transparency that boosts voter confidence.
In fact, both Martinez and the clerks reassured voters that changing one’s mind is possible. Makes sense if someone wishes to amend their vote before Election Day; clerks can void previous ballots if needed.
Insights from Around the Township
Just a little further out at Lyon Township, April Talaga, the Deputy Clerk, is working hard to meet demands. Talaga has already mailed out around 6,000 absentee ballots, which equals a third of the township’s registered voters—a commendable figure, although still trailing behind the nearly 9,000 issued in 2020. “Every absentee ballot is counted if voted correctly,” she emphasizes, hoping to combat any misinformation circulating about absentee voting processes.
More than ever, the clerks hope that regardless of the method—be it absentee or in-person—everyone will participate. “It would be great if everyone would participate,” Talaga remarked.
Your Voting Questions Answered
With such comprehensive voting options available, it’s essential that all voters are informed. If questions arise about registration, absentee voting, or early voting, locals can check in with the Michigan Voter Information Center or their local clerk’s office for clarity and guidance.
As we draw closer to Election Day, it’s heartening to see community participation ramping up, regardless of how different individuals choose to cast their votes. Let’s embrace the democratic process together!
