As the Michigan Democratic Primary on March 10 nears, the city of Williamston is preparing to do its part.
Due to Ingham County’s diverse makeup and proximity to the state Capitol, it plays a vital role in the outcome of the primaries.
Williamston, though one of the smaller cities, is crucial to the voting results of the county.
Williamston City Clerk Holly Thompson said the process begins long before March.
“We’ve been preparing for this since January,” said Thompson.
For Thompson, the entire operation is more than merely facilitating the voting process.
“We’re attending training at the county,” said Thompson. “We’re testing our equipment; we keep up with all the issues people are concerned about.”
Absentee voting
This primary may look different from those in the past because Michigan now allows no-reason absentee voting. Williamston City Manager Corey Schmidt said this will be significant for voters in Williamston.
“I know applications for [absentee ballots] have gone through the roof,” said Schmidt. “There may be fewer people showing up to the actual polling locations because of the absentee ballots.”
City councilman Gene Smith has been on the Williamston City Council since July 2019. He said that no-reason absentee ballots are a plus for any voting-eligible citizen.
“I think a lot of the initiatives that have occurred have been very positive as far as helping people get out and vote,” said Smith.
Smith acknowledged that the council has played a significant role in making voting easy for citizens of Williamston, but the council is not completing the ballots.
“They have to be responsible enough to want to [vote],” said Smith. “They have to educate themselves about what they’re voting for.”
Voting day
March 10 will be a long day for Thompson.
“I usually work about 16 hours,” said Thompson. “We get here about 5:30 in the morning and leave at about midnight.”
The doors might close at 8 p.m., but Thompson and her crew will work long into the night.
“When closing out the night, you have to be very specific,” said Thompson. “We have to make sure all our numbers are correct and match … that’s extremely important.”
Voting will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Williamston Middle School on March 10.
This story is part of MI First Election. A collaboration between WKAR News and the Michigan State University School of Journalism.
