New digital tool provides daily insights into absentee and early voting data across Michigan, promoting election transparency and trust.
Interactive Dashboard Puts Michigan at the Forefront of Election Data Innovation
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced the launch of the Michigan Voting Dashboard this week, which will provide public access to real-time election data for counties and jurisdictions statewide. Designed to improve transparency and combat misinformation, the tool offers detailed insights into absentee and early voting activities.
“Democracy works best with an informed electorate,” Benson stated during the launch in Detroit. “Making data transparent, accessible, and user-friendly strengthens public trust and prevents misinformation.” The project was developed with support from the Center for Civic Design and the University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI).
The dashboard, available at Michigan.gov/VotingDashboard, offers daily updates on absentee ballot requests, returns, and early voting numbers across Michigan’s 1,600 local election jurisdictions.
Strengthening Trust and Fighting Misinformation
With the rise of election-related misinformation, Benson emphasized the need for official sources of reliable data. The dashboard provides aggregated information without compromising individual voter privacy. Canton Township Clerk Michael Siegrist praised the effort, noting that legal authorities are distributing the data through trusted channels. “This transparency helps voters see how elections are conducted and prevents misinformation from taking root,” Siegrist said.
The Michigan Voting Dashboard pulls its data from the Qualified Voter File (QVF), the state’s secure voter database. Updated daily, the dashboard is active 45 days before every Election Day, tracking critical metrics like ballot requests and early in-person voting.
University Collaboration Promotes Cutting-Edge Design
The development team worked closely with students at UMSI to design a platform that is both accessible and engaging. The initiative is part of a year-long User Experience capstone project, with plans to further enhance the dashboard in 2025 by adding new datasets.
UMSI Dean Andrea Forte expressed pride in the university’s role in the project, saying, “Our students are making a real impact by applying research to strengthen transparency and democracy.”
Student team member Jackson Gelbard shared his enthusiasm: “It’s exciting to see our work make a positive impact. We believe data can be a powerful tool for change, and this project gives us the chance to apply what we’ve learned to improve civic engagement.”
Early Voting Begins Soon Statewide
Absentee voting is already underway in Michigan, and early in-person voting will start on October 26, 2024, though some communities may open voting sites sooner. Voters can find their nearest early voting sites, along with operating hours, at Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting.
Eligible citizens can register to vote online or by mail until October 21. In-person registration with proof of residency will remain available at local clerk offices until 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 5.
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