TRAVERSE CITY, MI -- Providing ballots for soldiers overseas is a top priority for most Clerks in the state of Michigan, but 70 different communities still failed to supply requested August primary ballots to men and women fighting overseas, according to the Secretary of State.
“We have 1,600 clerks in the state that conduct elections. 95% of our clerks got them out in time. We had a little less than 5% that did not, and it's absolutely not acceptable because there is no one more important to make sure they get an opportunity to vote than the people serving our country,” said Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson.
Local clerks told 7&4 News they have 45 days before an election to mail ballots out to overseas voters.
“It's actually quite a nice and easy and intuitive process. We generate our ballot electronically on a secure State Department website and it's a matter of emailing the ballot and instructions to the voter,” said Traverse City Clerk, Benjamin Marentette.
Secretary of State Johnson said things should be even easier for the November election.
Clerks who failed to meet their 45 day deadline in August will have oversight and training.
Secretary of State Johnson was recently appointed to a national committee focused on improving voter participation for American soldiers.
