Early voting in Detroit Begins

The City of Detroit along with the Harris/Walz campaign held an early voting rally at Western International High School. The day was beautiful with excellent weather. The line formed early, by 11 am, it was forming around the school and down Clark Street.

In the earlier part of 2023, the bill passed allowing at least nine days of early voting for elections. "It removes any opportunities or reasons not to," says Michigan House of Representative Tyrone Carter. "We've made it extremely convenient for folks to exercise their right and their vote." He understands that life happens. Being a candidate himself, he knows firsthand the challenge of making it to your designated poll site on election day. At this event the Congressman remained a member of the crowd, along with Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, and other public figures.

There were plenty of dignitaries in appearance. The crowd was loud, enthusiastic and energetic. Western Cheer team was on site, affectionately hyping up the crowds and keeping the chants going. Many took the stage, like Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, candidate Elissa Slotkin, union presidents and first-time voter Macsen Kirkpatrick. Applause erupted as each speaker entered and exited the stage. All in support of voting and voting early.

Notable speakers are Mayor Mike Duggan, musician Lizzo and Vice President Harris. Mayor Duggan spoke about the accessibility of this opportunity to vote early. He informed the crowd that leading up to election day, residents can go to any of the 14 locations allowing early voting. Those sites include recreation centers and churches. They are open from 9a.m. to 5p.m with weekend options. When the mayor concluded chants of "VOTE, VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!" broke out.

Lizzo, music artist, voices her support for Detroit, Vice President Harris and early voting. She begins with answering what the world would be as Detroit, "Proud like Detroit, resilient like Detroit, we're talking about the same Detroit that innovated the auto industry and the music industry," she repeats those sentiments for those that may not have hear her clearly and continues to say, "I voted, I voted early...voting early is a power move." Many recognize the positives in early voting. Michigan is a swing state.

Figuratively, the roof explodes as Vice President Harris enters the auditorium. Respectfully acknowledging the success other states and cities has with early voting, praises Detroit for their efforts. She challenges the residents to break another early voting record. "We have the power to make the decision about the direction of our country," she says. The message underscores the right to vote. "We're going to remind people to vote, we are going to register folks to vote, we're going to email, text, call, knock on doors, we are going to remind people what's at stake." she explains that you should exercise that. "We know we can make a difference because the power is within in the people." Cheers explode. V. P. Harris encourages people to vote, understand you have power and to remind others of their power too.

The rally keeps on into the streets. Lead by Mayor Duggan, those capable of voting in Detroit travel to the nearby poll site in Clark Park to cast their ballots.

Daniel Easterly, community member and rally attendee favor early voting. "Early voting is cool; I think it's advantageous for people who wants to get it out the way," he says, "Being able to put that vote in early, it gives you the freedom to sit back and chill."

Voting early limits the poll workers obstacles. If the line for the rally is any indication of what lines may look like on election day, early voting may be something you should look in to. For more information investigate your respective voting city/township and or district website or call/visit your city hall.

Happy Election season!