Leaders from the City of Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo County shared their plans Wednesday for election security and ensuring every vote cast is counted on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
“As we count down these final days to the election, we want to take a moment to emphasize that every vote cast in Kalamazoo matters and every vote cast will be counted,” said Mayor David Anderson.
“Due to the coronavirus and health concerns, more people have been voting absentee than ever before,” said Kalamazoo City Clerk Scott Borling. “While we have an extra 10 hours to begin processing ballots this year, thanks to legislation signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, that doesn’t mean election results in Michigan will be ready when the polls close. We expect it will take longer to count the votes and verify a winner in this year’s election — and that’s okay.”
“At KDPS, our top priority is keeping our residents, visitors and businesses safe, and that includes keeping people safe while they are doing their civic duty and exercising their right to vote on Nov. 3,” said Vernon Coakley, chief of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. “While we won’t be visible at polling places, we will be ready to respond to problems if they’re reported. Voter interference or intimidation at polling places will not be tolerated in the City of Kalamazoo.”
“As the leaders of this community, we are all committed to ensuring this election is safe, secure and accurate,” said Vice-Mayor Patrese Griffin. “We encourage you to exercise your right to vote.”
“We want voters to cast their ballot with confidence this election,” said Timothy Snow, Kalamazoo County clerk and register of deeds. “Polling places will be thoroughly cleaned prior to Election Day and voting booths will be wiped down in between voters. Voters will be strongly encouraged to wear masks while voting, hand sanitizer will be widely available, and floors will be marked to promote social distancing.”
