Michigan Voter File Glitch Delays Ballot Processing for 1 Hour as Polls Close in Key Primary
Updated
Updated · Lansing State Journal · Aug 4
Michigan Voter File Glitch Delays Ballot Processing for 1 Hour as Polls Close in Key Primary
3 articles · Updated · Lansing State Journal · Aug 4
Summary
Michigan officials said a Qualified Voter File problem slowed absentee ballot check-ins and same-day voter registration at multiple cities and locations for about an hour Tuesday evening.
The issue emerged between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. and was resolved by 6:30 p.m.; the state said in-person voting was unaffected because electronic poll books used at precincts are offline.
Angela Benander of the Department of State said the slowdown was not expected to delay absentee tabulation or prevent anyone already in line before the 8 p.m. deadline from registering or voting.
The disruption hit as polls closed in a closely watched Michigan primary for governor, U.S. Senate and the Lansing-area 7th District House seat.
Federal Justice Department inspectors also monitored polling places in Lansing and three other Michigan cities, part of broader election oversight the state and local officials had publicly questioned.