Michigan lawmakers approve early absentee ballot processing, in hopes of avoiding counting delays

Michigan election officials would begin processing absentee ballots two days before the Nov. 8 election under legislation approved Wednesday in hopes of avoiding delays in counting, with absentee voting expected to remain a popular option.

Michigan is one of several key swing states that allows no-excuse mail-in ballots but doesn't allow local election offices to begin processing ballots until 7 a.m. on Election Day, which often delays results in tight races and can leave a gaping hole for misinformation and lies to flood the public space.

Ann Bollin, House Elections and Ethics Committee chair, announced the agreement on election bills after months of negotiations. The bills passed the Republican-controlled Legislature and now go to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat.