Michigan to mail absentee ballot applications to all voters

Michigan’s top election official said Tuesday that absentee ballot applications will be mailed to all 7.7 million registered voters for the August primary and November general election.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said the step — announced as the state continues to confront the coronavirus pandemic — ensures no one “has to to choose between their health and their right to vote.” Her office mailed absentee ballot applications to voters in jurisdictions with local elections earlier this month, and there was record turnout.

“Voting by mail is easy, convenient, safe, and secure, and every voter in Michigan has the right to do it,” Benson, a Democrat, said in a statement.

About 1.3 million voters already are on permanent absentee voter lists and receive an application before every election.

Republicans in the GOP-led Legislature have questioned whether Benson has the legal authority to send applications to all voters.  (AP)