Voting in 2020

It has never been easier, or more important to cast your vote in 2020. The Kalamazoo community saw a significant increase in voter participation in last week’s Primary Election thanks to a change to state law approved in 2018 which allows voters to submit ballots by mail for any reason. The law also permits voters to register on election day.

Concerns about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic clearly prompted many voters to opt in for absentee ballots. Secretary of State Benson’s office reported that absentee ballot requests were up 300%. The large number of absentee ballots and same day turn out resulted in 64,084 ballots cast in Kalamazoo County, that is a 131% increase compared to the 27,684 votes cast in the 2016 August primary.

There are less than three months until the general election on November 3rd when critical national, state, county and local races will be decided. You can check your voting status or request an application for an absentee ballot at Michigan.gov/Vote.

Voting is an opportunity to shape the future; for yourself, your family and your community. It is one more way the LGBTQ+ community can stand together, #AlwaysOutFront

Written by Marshall Kilgore. Marshall is the Director of Advocacy for OutFront Kalamazoo and is a Black bisexual man.