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Michigan sees historic participation in 2024 presidential vote, driven by mail and early ballots under new access provisions.
Michigan Records Major Uptick in Voting Participation Across Counties
Michigan voter turnout smashed previous voting records in the 2024 presidential election, tallying 5.7 million ballots—a rise from 5.58 million in 2020. It ranked third in the nation for voter turnout at 74.6% of eligible voters. Notably, more than 60% of ballots were cast early or by mail—marking a strong shift in voting behavior statewide.
Proposal 2022?2 Catalyzes Increase in Early and Mail Voting Statewide
Proposition?2022?2, approved by nearly 60% of Michigan voters, introduced nine days of in-person early voting, permanent mail ballot lists, and drop boxes in every jurisdiction. Its effect was clear: 1.2 million voted early in person and 2.2 million by mail—significant gains over 2020. The permanent vote-by-mail list now holds over 25% of active voters.
New Voter Demographics Reflect Broader Participation Gains
The state’s report reveals approximately 820,000 first-time voters—14.5% of total ballots. An additional 71,000 had not voted since before 2020. Michigan State University experts noted that surges among non-degree, older, and Black voters played key roles .
County-Level Trends Highlight Urban and Rural Participation Differences
The top counties for turnout were Leelanau (89.0%), Livingston (86.4%), Keweenaw (85.2%), Clinton (84.7%), and Grand Traverse (83.6%) . Urban Wayne County lagged behind at 70.5%, alongside Calhoun (71.2%), St.?Joseph (72.3%), Branch (72.4%), and Clare (73.1%) .
Early/mail voting was highest in Benzie (74.0%), Grand Traverse (71.3%), Washtenaw (71.0%), Livingston (70.7%), and Roscommon (70.6%). Washtenaw County—including Ann Arbor—activated absentee ballot counting early, reflecting local organizational capacity .
Municipal Voting Structure Affects Administration Across Michigan
Unlike many states, Michigan administers elections at the municipal (not county) level—relying on city and township clerks—adding administrative complexity but enabling tailored local management.
Expert Perspective: Sustaining Recent Gains Hinges on Outreach and Trust
Michigan State University election analysts suggest maintaining trust and inclusion is essential. They observed that:
“We observed 57% of voters with a college degree supporting the Democratic presidential candidate… shifts in how age maps onto party coalition.”
Yet broader statewide participation likely relied on sustained engagement and accessible ballot access.
Turning Early Voting Momentum into Ongoing Engagement
Record Michigan voter turnout—ranked behind only Minnesota and Wisconsin—demonstrates that expanded early and mail voting under Proposal 2022?2 led to historic engagement. Experts warn that future gains depend on institutional trust and outreach across all demographics.
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