The state of Michigan reports receiving a record number of requests for absentee ballots this election.
That prompted Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to hold a townhall meeting Thursday night where she discussed what you need to know to turn your ballot in on time.
"Where can I submit a complaint if it took more than two months to receive an absentee ballot for the primary election and arrived August 30?" asked one Michigander.
Groups representing Michigan citizens questioned Secretary Benson Thursday night during a virtual townhall meeting.
Benson says by Tuesday her office had received 2.1 million requests for absentee ballots, eight weeks before the general election.
"If you are in a scenario where we're close to the election, you've requested your ballot be mailed to you and you haven't received it, call or visit your local clerks office and request a replacement ballot," said Benson.
And she says you must do that prior to 4 p.m. on the Monday before the election.
Also with delays from the pandemic, Benson announced branch offices will offer special appointments and will extend hours for ID cards or licenses that expire between January 1 of this year and September 30 and must be renewed in-person.
It will be a busy time for citizens and the secretary of state's office in the coming weeks.
"On Election Day, if you're concerned you haven't received your ballot or if you've mailed it back and haven't been given any indication that it's been returned, you can go to your precinct and ask and they will have that voter files I mentioned earlier and will be able to see that that ballot's been returned and if not they'll be able to mark you ballot lost, invalidate that and you can vote instead in person at your precinct," said Benson.
Benson reminds residents that the previous renewal extension expires on September 30.
