GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — It’s the time of year again where people all across the country head to the ballot box. More than 12,000 Kent County voters cast their ballots on Saturday for the first day of early voting for the upcoming general election.
Many voters at the polls in Grand Rapids said they were excited to be making their voices heard.
Tracy Martin told News 8 that she has voted in every election and that being able to vote early and in person added ease to the task. She voted at Ottawa Hills High School on Saturday afternoon, alongside some of her family.
“It felt great, I always feels good every time I vote, though. So, it just feels good knowing that I am doing my part,” she said.
A handful of voters were eager to get their “I Voted” sticker, so they could wear it like a badge of honor. While pointing to his sticker Ben Carter, who just turned 18 and was voting for the first time said, “This is what I was working for, yeah.”
A sentiment that Judi Rabbai, another early voter, shared with News 8.
“Well, I always want my sticker, I want to make a good impression,” Rabbai said. “I have to encourage everyone to go out and vote, whatever their choice is. Its what they should do because we are Americans and we got to fight for our democracy.”
By law, early in-person voting in Michigan must run for at least nine consecutive days before an election, wrapping up on the Sunday before Election Day. Grand Rapids voters have four options where they can cast their ballot ahead of election day:
- Sts. Peter & Paul School: 1430 Quarry Avenue NW
- GRPS University: 1400 Fuller Avenue NE
- Ottawa Hills High School: 2055 Rosewood Avenue SE
- DeVos Place, Exhibit Hall B: 303 Monroe Avenue NW
All four sites will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.
A variety of issues drove voters to the polls Saturday, including the economy, immigration and women’s rights.
“We are voting for our future, for our kids, and we need someone with common sense who can take this country to the next level,” Anthony Martin said.
A shared message among all voters News 8 spoke to was the importance of casting your vote, no matter who it was for.
“I think it really matters to people, regardless of what side you are on. I think everybody is really passionate about that, and I am extra passionate, so I wanted to be here early,” Dana Kingrey said.
“It’s your civic duty. It’s your duty to vote. I mean, I understand that we are not all going to vote for the same person, but if you want to have a voice in what happens with this country, you can’t complain with what happens if you have not used your voice to vote. So just come out and vote,” Tracy Martin said. “Do it today. Do it tomorrow. Do it on November 5th, but it’s important to have your say.”
