IONIA, Michigan – Ionia’s clerk recently provided an update on the challenges faced by clerks due to new election laws during the February presidential primary. Mary Patrick, Ionia City Clerk, discussed the primary at the Ionia City Council meeting on March 6. Out of more than 5,000 registered city voters, a total of 705 ballots were cast. These included 390 absentee votes, 299 votes on Election Day, and 16 early voting participants over nine days.
The cost of the election and the turnout were also discussed. In-person voting cost the city $0.50 per voter, while absentee ballots cost $5 per voter, with all prepaid postage. Early voting in Ionia County, which took place at a hub in Ionia and attracted 193 voters, cost over $300 per voter.
Patrick mentioned that this was likely the cheapest election of the year. She also expressed her belief that early voting may be more suitable for cities or large municipalities, rather than rural counties like Ionia. As the sole person responsible for elections in the city, Patrick highlighted the additional time and attention required for other clerk duties.
Patrick credited Ionia County Clerk Greg Geiger for the idea of establishing an early voting hub in downtown Ionia. The hub, located at 302 W. Main St. and owned by the Ionia Community Library, facilitated early voting.
Under federal law, military and overseas citizens must receive their ballots 45 days before an election. Proposal 2022-02 extended the window for ballot receipt to 51 days after the election. Patrick expressed concern about this additional burden on her office.
Additionally, clerks are now required to contact voters on the permanent ballot list who have not responded by a specific date. This includes sending texts, emails, and making phone calls to remind them of the non-return. Furthermore, clerks must send a letter via U.S. mail to those who have not returned their forms. If there are signature issues with an absent voter ballot, the voter has three days after the election to “cure” their signature.
The city of Ionia is currently seeking election workers. Patrick stated that the elections require 20 trained workers every two years. Interested individuals can visit the city of Ionia website and submit an Election Inspector Application form.
In conclusion, the recent update from Ionia’s clerk shed light on the challenges faced by clerks due to new election laws. The discussion covered the costs associated with the primary, the suitability of early voting for rural counties, and the additional burdens imposed on clerk offices. The city is also actively seeking election workers to support future elections.