Nearly 2,000 Detroiters cast ballots during the city’s 1st day of in-person early voting

Detroit and the Detroit Pistons held a free event to encourage early voting, Pistonsland: What Up D.O.E., on Oct. 19, 2024 | Ken Coleman

The first day of early in-person voting in the Motor City was a success, according to the Detroit elections chief. 

“We were happy to see nearly 2,000 Detroiters exercise their right to vote at one of our 14 Early Vote Centers across the city,” said Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey.

Of that number, residents voted early or turned in absentee ballots. 

On Saturday, a free festival, Pistonsland: What Up D.O.E., was held in the midtown section of the city where about 800 city residents exercised their right to vote. The day-long get-out-the-vote event featured basketball courts, a ferris wheel and performances by Lil Baby, Skilla Babby and Tay B. 

“At the block party, thousands of our youth participated peacefully, enjoying performances by artists like Lil Baby, Skilla Baby, and a number of other local artists,” said Winfrey. “Most importantly, hundreds of young people took the opportunity to cast their ballots, shaping their future. This event was truly historic, and we extend our gratitude to the Pistons and the youth of Detroit for making today a tremendous success.”

The event was a partnership between the Detroit Pistons, the city of Detroit and the Detroit clerk’s office.

“The historic turnout at ‘Pistonsland: What Up D.O.E.’ is a testament to the power of partnership, community engagement and the spirit of Detroit,” said Chris Economeas, Sr., director of community and social responsibility for the Detroit Pistons.

Detroit and the Detroit Pistons held a free event to encourage early voting, Pistonsland: What Up D.O.E., on Oct. 19, 2024 | Ken Coleman

Detroit native Lizzo also was in Motown on Saturday campaigning with Vice President Kamala Harris and encouraging Detroiters to take advantage of early voting. Former President Donald Trump held a Friday night rally in Detroit.

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Black Men Vote and Detroit Action held a discussion on Saturday at Wayne Community College in Detroit, “Brothers & Ballots,” which sought to debunk election disinformation aimed at the African-American community and encourage Black men to vote this election.

Election Day is set this year for Nov. 5, but absentee voting is underway. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has launched an online voting dashboard that’s updated daily.

A 2022 constitutional amendment requires at least nine days of in-person early voting in both statewide and federal elections, which must be made available starting no later than two Saturdays before Election Day and ending the Sunday before Election Day. 

While early in-person voting begins in most Michigan municipalities this year on Saturday and runs through Nov. 3, Detroit, Canton Township and East Lansing are kicking off their efforts early.