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Benson: More than 3.1M absentee ballots returned in Michigan

Posted at 6:53 AM, Nov 03, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-03 06:56:49-05

(WXYZ) — As of Tuesday morning, more than 3.1 absentee ballots have been returned in Michigan, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in an appearance on 7 Action News This Morning.

Although state officials have repeatedly said all ballots will be tabulated by Friday due to the record-breaking amount of absentee ballots, Benson said they could all be counted "potentially sooner."

Although she said Michigan can't expect a full tabulation on Election Night, the results will "come soon."

Additionally, when asked where things stand with the firearms ban at polling places on Election Day, Benson said anyone who intimidates a voter in Michigan by brandishing a firearm or any other weapon is committing a felony under existing law.

"The idea of instilling fear in the heart of any voter is antithetical to what our democracy stands for," Benson said.

She said the Secretary of State's goal is to minimize problems at the polls.

Watch as Secretary of Benson casts her vote on Election Day: