LANSING, MI (AP)-- Michigan has spent $4.5 million to mail absentee ballot applications to all 7.7 million registered voters ahead of the August primary and November general election.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, said Tuesday the cost will be covered by federal coronavirus relief funding.
Michigan saw record turnout for May local elections when the state sent absentee ballot applications to all voters in affected jurisdictions without first being asked to do so.
Republicans say the $4.5 million would have been better spent on protective equipment for polling places and election workers and on machines to more quickly process absentee ballots.
