BLACKMAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Michigan's first officially-diagnosed case of COVID-19 was announced on March 10, the night of the state's presidential primary.
Tuesday, May 5 marks the first election since then and things are looking a lot different.
Blackman Township took precautions anticipating large crowds for Tuesday's election.
Outside one of the voting stations were yellow lines painted on the sidewalk marking 6 feet apart for each voter, but there was no line.
Township Clerk Shelly Sercombe said there were a lot of absentee ballots turned in.
"We were able to send out over three thousand ballots. We received over two thousand back, which is a good turnout," she said.
Blackman Township saw very few in-person voters and expects things to stay the same until the polls close Tuesday night.
Sercombe said, "Today we've had around 20 [people]. I think it would slow down."
The clerk said having the absentee ballots is the best way for voters to stay involved with their community while staying safe.
"It's different, but a good different. I think it's a good different. But during this time I want our folks to feel safe. We got our folks over here and I want them to feel safe and that's the name of the game right now," she said.
The polls closed at 8 p.m Tuesday.
The only local elections Tuesday are in Jackson County.
Blackman Township and Leoni township are voting to renew the millages for their shared public safety department.
Napoleon Township has a fire department millage and the East Jackson school district has an operating millage on the ballot.
The City of Jackson was supposed to have a recall election, but the council member in question resigned.
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