Early Voting open
New polling location at the county building
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HOUGHTON -- Houghton County residents were eagerly awaiting the opening of the county's early voting site Saturday morning. Unlike the county's primary election, this polling location is at the Houghton County building on Sharon Avenue. Since 2024, Michigan's early voting has become a convenient and easy way for people to participate in the voting process.
Houghton County Clerk Jennifer Kelly said voters have three ways to vote in this midterm election. "Any registered voter in Houghton County is able to come here to the county building on Sharon Avenue and vote now," she said. "We opened at 8 a.m. and we'll be closing at 4 p.m. every day, until Sunday, Nov. 1."
Michigan also sends out absentee ballot applications to every eligible voter in the state. Kelly said those who have absentee ballots can come to the county building as well, if they wish. "One nice thing about early voting is people who voted absentee may not be aware that they can actually bring their ballot here and they can tabulate it," she said.
Early voting works the same way it does on election day. Walk in, fill out the affidavit, scan your ID and cast your ballot. Kelly said early voting gives people more options and time to vote, if they cannot make it to the polls on the day of the election.
"I think it gives the voter nine days to be able to come to vote rather than just one on election day," she said. "For those that still love to vote by absentee, to do research at home -- that kind of stuff is one option. But if they're concerned about their ballot not getting to their clerk to be tabulated on election day, they can also bring it here now."
Kelly added the early voting turnout during the general election is much greater than the primary turnout and the larger county building space can handle the increased volume.
Voters at the polls were happy with the space provided by the county. One couple, Mark and Mona, said they liked the space and were happy to get out and vote early.
"Early voting is important, because some of us can be here on election day," Mark said.
"It's a great place and it's very important to [vote]," Mona said. "I like in-person voting much rather than the mail."
Another voter, Calumet resident Mary, said she moved from California not too long ago and was happy Michigan had early voting. "I was hoping they did... it popped up on my Facebook feed," she said. "I wanted to get here, no lines, no crowd, no nothing."
For more information about this midterm election and how to vote in Michigan, visit michigan.gov/sos/elections/voting. Early voting is now thru Nov. 1, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the county building at 19741 W. Sharon Avenue in Houghton.