Poll workers in Macomb County expect more people to vote than ever before.
From Shelby Township to Macomb Township, multiple precincts have told 7 Action News that voters showed up early, and lines have stayed steady throughout the day.
Two poll workers at Seneca Middle School said that their voting location topped 1,000 voters after a few hours. The school, which houses precincts 33, 34 and 35 isn’t alone.
“I think this time will be a lot more than last time,” said Carmella Sabaugh, the Macomb County Clerk.
Sabaugh said that the last time the area saw a surge like this was the 2008 Presidential election which led to the current Barack Obama administration. Voter turnout dipped the following presidential election, but that this year the sky is the limit for voters. Sabaugh is estimating that as many as 72-percent of the 635,000 registered voters will cast a ballot.
“We’ll be busy getting those totals in, we’ll probably be there (working) until 3 o’clock in the morning.”
While Sabaugh could be burning the midnight oil, Macomb County voters know the feeling. Shelby Township voter Kenneth Williams said he worked until 3 a.m. That didn’t stop him from voting, but he admitted he’s glad the day is finally over. He’s looking forward to Wednesday
“It does kind of wear on you,” said Williams, referencing nonstop negative ads that have dominated headlines this election cycle. “I’m a big social media guy, so all of my feeds have been filled with lots and lots of opinions.”
Those opinions are driving the numbers, Sabaugh said despite several fierce local battles it’s the top of the ticket that seems to be driving voters in Macomb County.
“I feel like this is a critical, Presidential election,” said Kenneth Broaden.
Broaden, who was out of town and couldn’t get an abenstee ballot during the last election, said he wasn’t going to take a chance on missing his opportunity to vote this time.
“I even got a call from my mom at 7 this morning and she said, ‘You’re not up voting yet?’” said Broaden, while laughing.
While he didn’t vote at 7 a.m. he was out the door before 10 a.m. to make sure he was able to vote. His two children in tow, he cast his ballot. Broaden said he wanted to bring his children to make sure they saw the importance to the process.
As for those wishing to vote late, the polls will stay open in Macomb County until 8 p.m. The county clerk said that the most important thing to do is to be in line when the clock hits 8. As long as you’re in line, you’ll be allowed to vote.
