LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A new press release issued by the Michigan Department of State about their 2024 election report revealed that the state’s 2024 general election turnout shattered previous records – cementing Michigan as a national leader in voter participation.

According to the department’s data, Michigan ranked third in the country for eligible voter turnout, with an impressive 74.6% casting ballots, making it one of only five states to increase turnout over 2020.

Early voting and mail-In ballots surge.

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This record-setting performance wasn’t an accident. The Dept. of State says it was driven by the sweeping voting reforms passed through Proposal 2022-2, which voters approved to expand access to the ballot box. The constitutional amendment guaranteed nine days of early in-person voting, gave voters the option to join a permanent mail-in voting list, and required the installation of drop boxes across every voting jurisdiction in the state. Those changes led to over 60% of Michigan voters in 2024 who either voted early or by mail.

New voters show up.

More than 5.7 million ballots were cast in the November 2024 election, topping the state’s previous record of 5.57 million set during the 2020 presidential election. Even more telling: over 820,000 voters were casting ballots for the first time, making up 14.5% of total voters. Another 71,000 previously inactive voters also returned to the polls, with more than a third of them having last voted before 2020.

County-by-county.

The Dept. of State also provided a detailed breakdown of county-level data. Leelanau County led the state with 89% turnout among active registered voters, followed closely by Livingston and Keweenaw counties. Wayne County, home to Detroit, came in with the lowest turnout at just over 70%.

When it came to voting methods, Benzie and Grand Traverse counties had the highest percentage of voters using early or mail-in options, at 74% and 71.3% respectively, while Arenac and Missaukee counties saw some of the lowest, just over 42%.

Building momentum for the future?

Looking ahead, the department noted that more than 25% of active registered voters have already signed up for the permanent mail-in list as of December 2024. State election officials say they plan to continue investing in voter education and security measures to build on the momentum.