Michigan county investigating ballot shortage in election

Local officials are investigating after a Michigan county ran short on ballots after a historic voter turnout for a spate of elections on Tuesday, the Detroit Free Press reported.

The news outlet reported Wednesday that 34 percent of voters attempted to cast a ballot in a host of state, local and national elections on the ballot in Oakland County. That number was 5 percentage points higher than area officials were expecting.

Officials attributed the shortage to a confluence of factors, including two open congressional seats to replace Reps. David Trott (R) and Sandy Levin (D).

{mosads}

Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown (D) told the Free Press that enthusiasm among Democrats who disapprove of President Trump and GOP candidates likely played a role, too.

She also noted it was the first time the county listed Libertarian candidates on primary ballots.

Word of the shortage quickly spread, with the Michigan Secretary of State tweeting on Tuesday night that voters in line by 8 p.m. would be allowed to vote if they remained at their polling place.

Polls close at 8 pm. All voters in line by 8 pm will be able to vote and should not leave the polling place. Some precincts have reported running low on ballots. Voters can’t be turned away due to lack of ballots. Clerks will provide more ballots to precincts as needed.

— MI Sec of State (@MichSoS) August 7, 2018

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan has pledged to look into the issue.

Michigan hosted a number of nationally prominent state-wide elections on Tuesday night.

Former state House Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer (D) won the Democratic nomination for governor, edging out two challengers who tried to position themselves to her left, including one backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

Whitmer will face Attorney General Bill Schuette (R) in November.

Meanwhile, military veteran John James, who won the endorsement of President Trump, secured the Republican nomination to challenge incumbent Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).