(Source: MIRS.news, Published 08/05/2024) More than 1 million votes were cast less than 24 hours before the polls opened for the Aug. 6 primary election, according to Secretary of State data released Monday. 

Presuming between 1.6 and 1.8 million voters cast ballots, as Mark Grebner from Practical Political Data is projecting, more than half of the Michiganders who will vote in the August primary will have already voted before polls open Tuesday. 

More than 970,000 returned absentee ballots and more than 73,500 voted early during the nine-day early voting period, which closed Sunday. When compared to the 2020 early election returns, voting in the 2024 August primary was down about 280,000 voters. 

"We've heard from many voters who appreciate having convenient early options to participate in our elections and it's great to see people engaged in the process," Benson said.  

More than 1.6 million voters requested an absentee primary ballot, which can be put in a drop box or taken to the local clerk before 8 p.m. Aug. 6. 

The highest turnout day for early in-person voting was Aug. 2 with 11,085 voters. 

Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 6. 

"As always, I'm grateful to Michigan's clerks and poll workers, who ensured a secure and smooth early voting process throughout the state," Benson said.