Oakland County Prepares for November 2024 Election with Surge in Absentee Ballot Requests

Oakland County Gears Up for the November 2024 Election

As we inch closer to the November 5, 2024 General Election, excitement and anticipation are building in Oakland County, Michigan. The Michigan Secretary of State has just shared the first update regarding absentee voting, and let’s just say, there’s plenty to talk about!

Absentee Ballot Requests on the Rise

Over 2.1 million registered voters, specifically 2,133,272, have thrown their hats in the ring by requesting an absentee ballot. So far, more than 670,000 voters have taken the next step, submitting their completed ballots. This gives us a response rate of 32%, not too shabby, right? For a little comparison, at this point during the 2020 General Election, which coincided with the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate was just under 35%. It’s interesting to note that total absentee ballot requests back then peaked at 2.8 million, marking a 31% increase compared to this year.

Oakland County Specifics

Drilling down a bit more, let’s focus on our own backyard—Oakland County. A total of 222,608 absentee ballots have been mailed out, translating to a remarkable 31.5% of all registered voters here. And as of October 15, approximately 29.3% of these ballots have already been returned. This rate is consistent with the return rate from four years ago, showing that voters in Oakland County are just as engaged as they were! Back in 2020, we saw about 451,983 absentee ballots sent out, which was a significant 35% more than this year’s numbers.

Voter Engagement Across Communities

Now, let’s take a look at how different communities within Oakland County are participating. The percentages of registered voters requesting absentee ballots vary quite a bit. For instance, some communities like Huntington Woods and Bloomfield Township are topping the charts with request rates of 45.7% and 44.2% respectively. On the flip side, others like Pontiac and Hazel Park are trailing behind, with rates of just 15.9% and 17.3%.

When it comes to absentee ballot return rates, they also show quite a spread. The lower end sees Groveland Township and Southfield Township at just 14.7% and 15.6% respectively. Interestingly, communities like Royal Oak Township, Pontiac, and Oak Park are showing higher return rates of around 35.7% to 39.2%.

What’s Next for Voters?

Though we have seen a healthy number of requests and submissions, the key takeaway is that there’s still time to make your voice heard! Voters can still request an absentee ballot or prepare to vote early. If you’re wondering about your absentee application status, all you need to do is visit Michigan.gov/Vote or reach out to your local election clerk.

If you’ve already received your absentee ballot, don’t forget to fill it out, sign the back of the envelope, and mail it in or drop it at your clerk’s office or a designated drop box. Eligible Michigan citizens can register to vote online until October 21, or even in person until 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can also vote early from October 26 to November 3 at various early voting sites throughout the area, and don’t forget—the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day!

So, mark your calendars, Oakland County! Whether you’re voting absentee or in person, every vote counts, and your participation matters!