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Officials: Michigan emerges as 'leader' in facilitating historic elections during pandemic

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Posted at 10:03 AM, Oct 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-28 10:03:43-04

(WXYZ) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other state leaders urged Michiganders to make plans to vote, with the Nov. 3 election just days away.

Whitmer was joined by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Benson said Michigan has seen record-breaking voter turnout this year.

"We're on track to see this turnout under extraordinary circumstances with the pandemic," Benson said.

As of Wednesday, more than 3.25 million Michigan citizens have requested absentee ballots and 2.4 million have returned them.

Benson said the turnout is a reflection of the high level of engagement and work of more than 1,500 township and city clerks across the state.

"Together, we will carry out one of the most challenging and unique elections in our lifetime," she said.

Nessel warned citizens to report any instances of voting misinformation to the attorney general's office, which will be open on Election Day from when polls open to when they close.

"We stand ready to do whatever our communities need to feel supported on Election Day," Nessel said.

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist encouraged citizens to participate in early voting. If voting on Nov. 3, voters are asked to practice safe behaviors and healthy protections to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Related: Your guide to the 2020 election
Related: How to register to vote in Michigan
Related: Find your polling place in Michigan
Related: How to get an absentee ballot in Michigan
Related: View your sample ballot for the 2020 election