Detroit City Clerk and ACLU Announce that the Backlog of Absentee Ballots Will Be Sent to Voters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DETROIT, Mich. — Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey and the ACLU of Michigan announce resolution of their differences regarding the processing of absent voter (“AV”) ballot applications. The agreement comes after the ACLU of Michigan filed a lawsuit earlier this month.

Per the agreement, there will be no backlog of AV ballot applications, and the Clerk has pledged to process all incoming applications within 24 hours of receipt.

In addition, the Clerk’s office will be extending the hours of its voter hotline (313) 876-0190, open 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. every day, and the office is prepared to respond to all voters’ telephone messages within 24 hours.

• Any voter who needs to check on the status of their ballot can call the Clerk’s hotline, visit https://detroitav.ballottrax.net/voter/, or contact the ACLU-endorsed Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.
• Voters can also check the status of their ballot online on the Secretary of State’s website https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index.
• If a voter has requested a ballot that the website indicates has not yet been sent, the voter can alert the Clerk by calling (313) 876-0190 or alert the ACLU by calling 866-OUR-VOTE. The ACLU and the Clerk are working to ensure all AV ballot applications are processed timely.
• In addition, any voter who has requested a ballot, but not yet received their ballot and does not want to continue to wait, can go to any satellite office in Detroit and cast their ballot in person, seven days a week. For locations, see Voter Centers at https://detroitmi.gov/departments/elections
• Detroiters who already have their absentee ballot should complete the ballot, sign it, and drop it off as soon as possible at the Clerk’s office, a satellite office, or a secure drop box. Absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

“In this election, I am proud of Detroit for requesting so many absent voter ballots, and I am proud of the effort my office has put forward in meeting the demand,” said Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey. “Every vote counts, and we are working seven days a week to ensure Detroiters’ voices are heard on November 3rd.”

“We are grateful to Detroit City Clerk Winfrey for working to address the backlog of absentee ballot requests, and for agreeing to ensure that all forthcoming requests will be addressed within 24 hours of receipt,” said Phil Mayor, ACLU of Michigan senior staff attorney. “Our democracy thrives when we all have a voice, and voting is our voice. We are confident that Detroit voters will be heard.”

To find out more on all options for voting early and on Election Day, as well as how to track your ballot or application for a ballot, go to www.michiganvoting.org.

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