Absentee ballot applications have seen a dramatic increase as clerks around the state continue to prepare for the upcoming Michigan primary.

Two years ago voters passed a constitutional amendment to allow no-reason absentee voting in Michigan, opening the doors to potentially hundreds of thousands more participating in state elections by absentee means. Director of External Affairs for the Secretary of State, Jake Rollow said that preparations for the upcoming March 10th presidential primary are going well, and that clerks are busy processing absentee ballot applications, with some starting to receive them back. Those wishing to receive an absentee ballot by mail have until this Monday, February 24th, to request one. After Monday, voters can pick one up at their Clerk’s office.

Whether receiving a ballot by mail, or voting in person on the day of the primary, voters will have to choose between 3 ballots- Democratic, Republican, or non-partisan.

According to the State of Michigan Bureau of Elections, the public list of ballot selections for the presidential primary must be made public within 71 days of the primary, and then destroyed 22 months after. For more information on the upcoming primary day, including an opportunity to register to vote, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center online, at www.Michigan.gov/Vote. (MK)