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Secretary of State reminds absentee voters they can still change their mind

Patrn

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is reminding voters if they already voted absentee for a candidate that has since dropped out of the race - they can cast a new ballot.

Voters who have already cast a ballot in the upcoming primary still have time to change their vote.

Following South Carolina’s primary, several presidential candidates, including Pete Buttiegieg, Tom Steyer, and Amy Klobachar, have withdrawn from the race.

Jake Rollow is with the Secretary of State's Office.

“No reason is actually required at all whether the candidate someone has voted for has dropped out or someone has just changed their mind spoiling or canceling your absentee ballot is an option, it’s actually a right that voters have.”

Rollow said voters simply need to notify their local clerk's office that they wish to spoil their ballot. Voters can spoil their ballots by mail by Saturday but can spoil their ballots on Monday, March 9th if they do it in person.

“You could go in, tell your clerk you want to change your vote or spoil your ballot, however you want to phrase it. They will destroy your previous ballot and they will provide you with a new ballot to fill out you can do it right there.”

So far Rollow said clerks are seeing a 77% increase in absentee voting.