Correction: A prior headline for this story incorrectly said voters would receive absentee ballots. They will receive absentee ballot applications.

Michigan is encouraging anyone scheduled to vote in the May 5 election to cast an absentee ballot.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced Monday, March 23, that absentee voter ballot applications will be mailed to all voters in the May 5 election “to help ensure both public health and democratic rights are protected," according to a statement issued by the SOS.

The polls are still expected to be open on election day.

“Our country has a long history of carrying out elections in times of crisis, and we are fortunate to have the tools to uphold that history today,” Benson said. “Voting by mail protects public health, is highly accessible, and was clearly mandated by Michiganders when they overwhelmingly voted in 2018 to amend our state constitution and afford everyone this right.”

List of May 5 election locations from SOS website

Nearly 66% of Michigan voters in 2018 passed a ballot initiative that allows for absentee voting without explanation, straight-ticket voting, same-day registration and automatic voter registration.

Benson said she is working with clerks in communities where elections are expected to be held in May but is encouraging any ballot issues be delayed to the August election, if possible.

“The majority of the questions on the May ballots are school district millages and bonds, and many districts have postponed," the SOS said. “Benson gave clerks and the entities a few more days this week to make their decision.

“For the entities that do not postpone (in several cases, because existing critical funds would expire), the Bureau of Elections will mail absent voter ballot applications to all voters with postage-paid return envelopes unless those voters have already requested an absent voter ballot. The state will include a cover letter that voting by mail is the optimal way to cast a ballot due to the public health crisis.”

States will also assist in providing all absentee voters with prepaid-postage to return their ballots.

“We are also working to ensure the health and safety guidelines of our state and federal government are followed in the lead up to and administration of the May 5 election,” Benson said. “This includes working to recruit election workers to serve in all jurisdictions and providing hygiene supplies and explicit guidance on how to process absent-voter ballots and carry out other election duties while observing strict health precautions.”

The effort was announced as confirmed conavirus cases in Michigan reached 1,328 with 15 deaths, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops ) and when you go into places like stores.

Complete coverage of coronavirus in Michigan.

More information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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