Insider Intelligence

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced that all registered voters in Michigan will receive an application to vote by mail in the August and November elections. Of the 7.7 million registered voters in the state, about 1.3 million are on the permanent absent voter list, and their local election clerk mails them applications ahead of […]

The May 5 election had a record-breaking turnout for the approximately 50 elections, which were held in 33 counties and 200 municipalities. Nearly 25% of eligible voters cast their ballot, 99% of those choosing to vote via an absentee ballot. Average turnout for local May elections is around 12% and the previous turnout record was […]

Earlier this month Governor Gretchen Whitmer called for special primary and general elections to fill the vacancy in the 4th House District due to the passing of former Representative Isaac Robinson.  Candidates wishing to run in the primary election for the seat had to option file for the remainder of the former representative’s term, ending […]

Following the passing of Representative Isaac Robinson (D-Detroit) on March 29, Governor Gretchen Whitmer called for a special primary and general election to fill the vacant seat. The special primary election will be held on Tuesday, August 4 and the special general election will be held on Tuesday, November 3. Both dates coincide with the […]

Former Secretary of State, Senator Ruth Johnson (R-Holly) sent a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer this week urging her to postpone the May 5 election and combine it with the August election. She feels this will give clerks enough time to prepare and it will protect election workers and the public. Her letter was in […]

Traditionally, a voter must request an absentee voter ballot application, however, due to COVID-19 Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced her office will mail an application to voters for the upcoming May 5 election, without a request.  Following weeks of discussions between Secretary Benson and local clerks, several clerks have postponed items that would have […]

Legislation passed the House this week that aims at helping local clerks deal with the anticipated influx of absentee ballots. Introduced by Representative Julie Calley (R-Portland) the bill would allow local governments to team up with other nearby communities, or the county, to establish an Absentee Voter (AV) counting board. Currently, AV boards are allowed […]

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and a bipartisan group of clerks called on the legislature to pass reforms extending the deadline for when no new questions can be placed on ballots. Under the proposed joint resolution, the current deadline of 60 days would be extended to 75 days before an election. Under the current framework, […]