SOS Benson reports strong early voting numbers and says MI is prepared in case of unrest

DETROIT – According to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Michigan is on track for high voter turnout this election cycle.

Benson said during a news conference Monday that her election officials are also prepared for any unrest on Election Day.

In total, more than three million voters have already taken part in this election. According to Benson's office, more than 1.2 million voters cast their votes in person at an early voting location.

“Voters’ enthusiasm for early voting truly exceeded our expectations throughout the week and we consistently saw over 100,000 or more people show up to vote each day,” Benson said.

She said she is now focused on ensuring Election Day runs smoothly and results are counted and reported accurately.

“We can expect the first wave of unofficial results to be released after 9 p.m. Eastern time tomorrow,” Benson said. “That’s because we have three counties that are on Central Time and we are waiting until all polls statewide are closed before releasing numbers.”

Similar to other states across the country, Benson said, Michigan is prepared for riots or unrest on Election Day.

“It is now a crime in Michigan to threaten an election official in their job,” she said.

So far, early voting and pre-processing of ballots have gone smoothly, Benson said.

“I see no reason why we should deviate from this at all tomorrow or in the coming days. I certainly expect and hope that no one will try to disrupt the process,” she said. “It will not succeed; it would be against the law and we will stand with state, local and in some cases federal law enforcement to protect the process and protect the people in the process.”