Voter reports primary election problems in Williamston

TUESDAY, March 10 — Williamston City Clerk Holly Thompson will provide some last-minute education to her election staff today following a report of at least one local voter who was wrongfully required to show photo identification at Precinct No. 1 at Williamston Middle School, said Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum.  

Justin King, 39, of Williamston, posted to Facebook earlier today as polls opened for Michigan’s primary election. His complaint: Election staff told him he was required to show photo identification before he was allowed to cast his ballot in today’s election. State law says otherwise. Byrum is looking to smooth out problems. 

“I spoke with (Thompson),” Byrum said. “She is going to contact election inspectors and address.” 

Michigan has voter identification requirements, but voters are still able to cast their ballot without a photo ID. Those without a driver’s license — or another acceptable form of ID — can simply sign an affidavit attesting that they either don’t have an ID card at all or that they forgot to bring one with them to the polls. 

King said he had his ID and his ballot was accepted without issue. But he’s concerned that other voters without driver’s licenses could have been unfairly turned away earlier today and might not return to cast their votes. 

“It’s just such a basic, elementary error,” King added.

Calls to Thompson were not immediately returned. It’s unclear whether any voters were impacted by improper voting procedures in the city of Williamston. Full voter identification rules can be found at michigan.gov/sos.