Michigan primary voter turnout dips: Rate remains above average

Just over 2 million people voted in Michigan's primary, roughly 160,000 fewer than in 2022. And the share of voting-age residents who cast a ballot on or before Tuesday was 25%—down two percentage points, according to unofficial election results reported by the Michigan Department of State.

The chart below shows the voter turnout rate for August primary elections held in Michigan since 1978. While Tuesday's turnout was not exceptional, it was more than 20% ― the average turnout rate in previous years.

Michigan's greatest participation rates for an August primary occurred in 2020, a presidential and election year and the first year of the COVID-19 global pandemic. About one in three people ages 18 and older in Michigan voted that year, and a majority, about two out of three, did not cast their ballots in person.

According to state election officials, the pattern continued Tuesday, with more people voting absentee than in person. Over 1.2 million Michigan voters cast an early or absentee ballot in the primary election.

More:Cori Bush becomes second 'Squad' member to lose 2024 primary as Democrats split over Israel

More:'Resurrected from the dead': Harris pick of Walz caps complete shake-up of 2024 race

"It's very clear that given the opportunity to vote early or absentee, many Michiganders continue to embrace that opportunity," Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said during a news conference after the polls closed Tuesday night at the Detroit Pistons Performance Center in Detroit's New Center area. "It also underscores how Election Day is now essentially becoming the last day to vote, the last day to turn in your ballot, as opposed to the day that everyone votes."

Kristi Tanner is a data reporter. Contact her at ktanner@freepress.com. Follow her on X: @midatalove.