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Kent Co. election officials prepared for voters as polls open

With over 3 million ballots already cast, Michigan has seen historic early voter turnout. But local clerks are still preparing for an influx of Election Day voters.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Polls are officially open in Michigan, and voters will be lining up to have their voices heard Tuesday. In Kent County, election officials are ready for voters after months of preparation.

With over 3 million ballots already cast, Michigan has seen historic early voter turnout. Grand Rapids City Clerk Joel Hondorp said the city has seen about 33% turnout so far this election. Kent County clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons said the county is reporting a 44% turnout.

But local clerks are still preparing for an influx of Election Day voters, and officials have been working to ensure a safe and secure election. 

On the county level, Posthumus Lyons said the election preparation has been underway for months. She said nearly 2,000 election workers were trained and all the voting equipment was tested. Election officials have also been working with the Kent County Sheriff's Office and federal agencies to make sure they're "ready for anything that may arise."

"It's not just a one day and done deal," Posthumus Lyons said. "Election workers, our local clerks, my office, my team, we've been preparing for months for this election. There's so many things we do before the election, during voting and then also after the election, to ensure that they're secure, transparent, fair and accurate." 

Hondorp said anyone who drops off an absentee ballot should know their ballot will not stay in the box for long and will be counted soon. 

"For our drop boxes, we empty those every day, and today, we'll be emptying it multiple times, probably, and so that we don't let ballots sit in a drop box for a long period of time, and then we process them," said Hondorp.

He said most absentee ballots they've received have already been counted.

Hondorp is encouraging Michiganders to get out to vote Tuesday if they haven't already.

"Have patience. It's kind of rainy today, there may be some lines, just this is part of our Americana, of going out to vote," Hondorp said. "So be patient. Be part of the process. Enjoy it."

If you haven't voted yet, polls will be open until 8 p.m. If you are still in line at 8 p.m., it is your right to vote. You can find your registration status, polling place and see a sample ballot online here.

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