Still time to vote – your voting rights

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WBUP) – 3.1 million voters in Michigan have voted absentee in this election, according to the Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Earlier this evening Benson reported that 92% of absentee ballots have been returned.

Officials are expecting record-breaking turnout and polling locations are still open until 8:00 p.m. If you are in line when the polls close, stay in line because you have the right to vote.

If you are not registered and want to vote today, you can register in person at your city or township clerk’s office by 8:00 p.m. After registering, you can vote using an absent voter ballot at the city or township clerk’s office.

You must be a Michigan resident and a resident of the city or township you are voting at for at least 30 days.

You must also be a U.S. citizen, at least 18-years-old, and can not be currently serving a sentence in jail or prison. Although, having a criminal history does not impact your right to vote in Michigan.

Any law enforcement that is at a voting location is there simply to protect the right of all citizens to vote.

Bring proof of residency such as a Michigan Driver’s License or state ID card. You can also bring a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or college records.

As a reminder, the record–high number of absentee ballots ALONG with a law passed by the state Legislature that provided only limited time to prepare absentee ballots before Election Day, means that it could take until Friday before complete results are available from all Michigan jurisdictions.

In a written statement Secretary Benson said “Some results will come sooner, thanks to exceptional work by local election administrators statewide, the 30,000 election workers recruited by my administration, and the millions of dollars we allocated for additional vote tabulation machines… Election workers will be efficient, diligent and meticulous to ensure every ballot is counted securely and accurately.”

If you run into any problems or have question today call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683).