Early Voters in Michigan Endure Lengthy Lines and Set New Records
The state saw record-breaking returns, but not everyone was willing to wait for hours. The Epoch Times spoke to voters and those deterred from participating.
Michigan kicked off statewide early voting on Oct. 26, but long wait times discouraged some potential voters who shared their experiences with The Epoch Times.
Bill Keller opted out of waiting in a two-hour line in Farmington Hills and decided to vote absentee instead, expressing support for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Farnsworth and Tricia Howard were also deterred by the long lines at a location in Waterford Oaks. Farnsworth, a retired United Auto Workers union rep, mentioned their intention to vote for former President Donald Trump in hopes of ushering in a “new era.”
Bill Keller was discouraged by long lines on the first day of early voting in Farmington Hills, Mich., on Oct. 26, 2024. He plans to vote absentee. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
Despite the attrition, the state saw a surge in early voting with record-breaking returns.
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“We’re establishing a new tradition of early voting here in Michigan,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson stated when announcing the figures.
The high turnout was evident as 463 ballots were processed at the Farmington Hills site by late afternoon.
“This surpasses our turnout expectations,” noted Dawn Raymond, who oversaw early voting at the location, expressing satisfaction that political issues didn’t disrupt the process.
For Leia, a senior citizen, the emotional stakes of the 2024 election were high. She and her husband Hans, who preferred to remain anonymous, viewed the election as a critical opportunity to oppose Trump, whom Leia compared to Adolf Hitler.
“Harris brings a sense of positivity,” Leia emphasized.
“All my Trump-supporting friends believe that Trump will improve their lives somehow,” mentioned Hans, a retired store owner who expressed concerns about Trump’s potential impact if he fulfills his promises.
Emma Wofford, a first-time U.S. citizen voter, voiced support for Trump based on her experience leaving a socialist country for a better future in the U.S. She graduated from Hillsdale College, known for its conservative stance, where she encountered friends who opposed Trump.
Tricia Howard’s primary motivation for voting lay in securing the safety of the country, with her husband Farnsworth, a U.S. Army veteran, particularly concerned about border security and resources allocation for American veterans.
As a disabled individual recovering from a serious car accident, Matthew Kovach made a point to vote for Trump, citing concerns about communism and globalism.
Early voter Matthew Kovach in Waterford Oaks, Mich., on Oct. 26, 2024. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
Having narrowly avoided a life-threatening incident, Kovach reflected on the commonality of overcoming adversity shared with Trump. He expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to cast his vote and participate in the democratic process.
Andy Kollin echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing his desire not to see Trump back in office as his main motivation for early voting. Kollin emphasized his satisfaction with the turnout, regardless of voters’ political leanings.
Late in the day, three young Michiganders striving to cast their early ballots arrived at the Waterford Oaks site. Despite missing the cutoff, their determination to have their voices heard was clear.
Nathan Rehm, Winter Runyan, and Gabby Runyan at an early voting site in Waterford Oaks, Mich., on Oct. 26, 2024. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
This trio included Nathan Rehm, an engineering student at Michigan State University (MSU), Winter and Gabby Runyan, all seemingly aligned in their support for Trump and their commitment to participating in the democratic process.
Despite differing political views among the group, their determination to exercise their right to vote remained steadfast.
“We’ll be back tomorrow,” Winter Runyan affirmed.
