MI Mail Ballot Returns Up 30% Over Same Point In 2022

More than 201,000 Michiganders have already cast their ballot for the Nov. 3 general election, according to state officials.

Officials said the ballots have been returned by mail, secure ballot drop box or at their local clerk’s office, representing 2.7 percent of active registered voters in Michigan.

The number of ballots returned is up 30 percent from this same time in 2022, according to state officials.

As of 7 a.m. Oct. 6, 2,047,983 voters have requested a ballot by mail for the 2026 General Election, including 1,967,830 who are on the permanent absentee ballot list.

Overall, state officials said mail ballot requests have increased by 27 percent since this time in 2022.

"Voting by mail is secure, convenient, and the constitutional right of every eligible Michigan voter," Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie said. "With just one month left before Election Day, there’s still time to register to vote and request a mail ballot. If you have already received a mail ballot, be sure to return it by mail, at a ballot drop box, or to your local clerk’s office. Voters who prefer to cast their ballots in person can take advantage of at least nine days of early voting or vote at the polls on Election Day. No matter which voting method you choose, your ballot will be handled securely and counted accurately."