Detroit Evening Report: Michigan’s early vote surpasses 3 million before Election Day
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Early voting takes place at the Warren City Hall, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in Warren, Mich.
More than three million people have already voted in Michigan’s general election, but officials say they’re still expecting a busy day on Election Day as voters head to the polls.
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Shira Roza is the election protection director at Promote the Vote. She says her group is ready to help.
“Our nonpartisan election protection boiler room has in the past week alone responded to over 100 voting-related issues, from long lines at early voting sites to a lack of accessibility for voters with disabilities to voter intimidation,” said Roza.
To report issues or get assistance from Promote the Vote, you can call their hotline 866-OUR-VOTE. If you feel physically threatened at a polling place, call 911.
Polls close at 8 p.m. in Michigan — excluding the Upper Peninsula counties of Dickinson, Gogebic, Iron and Menominee, which are in the Central Time Zone and will close their polling locations at 9 p.m. ET. Follow along with WDET on-air and online at wdet.org/electionresults for local, state and federal election results updated in real-time by the WDET News team.
—Reporting by Russ McNamara, WDET
Other headlines for Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024:
- Polls across Metro Detroit are open until 8 p.m. If you’re in line by 8, you will be allowed to vote no matter how long it takes.
- Poll workers are keeping an eye out for possible disturbances, so don’t wear campaign-related clothing to the polls, and make sure to listen to the instructions that poll workers are giving you.
- At the top of today’s ballot, Republican former President Donald Trump faces off against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. The candidates and their running mates have made several trips to Detroit in the past few weeks, making their cases for your votes. There are also several other presidential candidates on the ballot, from a wide array of political parties.
- In the race for U.S. Senate, Democrat Elissa Slotkin and Republican Mike Rogers are battling for the seat left open when incumbent Senator Debbie Stabenow decided not to run for reelection.
- Here in the city of Detroit, there are two Congressional races. The 13th Congressional District covers the eastern half of the city and parts of Downriver. In that race, Democratic incumbent Shri Thanedar faces Republican challenger Martell Bivings.
- On the city’s far west side, Democratic incumbent Rashida Tlaib faces Republican challenger James Hooper for the 12th Congressional District.
- Among the many other races on the ballot are contests for the Michigan Supreme Court, the 36th District Court, the Detroit School Board, and the Wayne State Board of Governors. There are also two educational millages.
- If you have questions about the general election or what’s on your ballot, visit the WDET Voter Guide at wdet.org/voterguide.
- And be sure to follow along with WDET on-air at 101.9 FM and online at wdet.org/electionresults for local, state and federal election results updated in real-time.
- In non-election news, ESPN is reporting that the Detroit Lions have made a trade for Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Za’Darius Smith to bolster its defense. The team plays the Houston Texans Sunday night.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
