Michigan begins early voting as absentee ballot requests soar

With the 2024 presidential election approaching, Michigan's Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has initiated efforts to enhance voter participation and education. On the first day of early voting, she revealed that over 1.8 million Michiganders have requested absentee ballots, indicating a strong interest in the electoral process. To facilitate this, the state has introduced a voter information texting service called 'My Vote Info,' which provides essential resources to voters via text message. Additionally, an absentee ballot tracking system has been launched, allowing voters to monitor their ballots from submission to acceptance. This initiative aims to build trust in the electoral process, especially in light of recent warnings from the intelligence community regarding misinformation campaigns by foreign entities targeting American voters. Benson also announced a $5 million grant to enhance security at polling sites, addressing concerns about potential threats to election officials and voters. She highlighted the need for vigilance against both foreign and domestic actors who may attempt to undermine the election's integrity. In her remarks, Benson called on every eligible Michigander to check their registration status and actively participate in the upcoming election, emphasizing the critical nature of this electoral season for the future of the country.