MICHIGAN — On Sunday, candidate Mallory McMorrow (D) announced that she would be suspending her campaign for U.S. Senate. However, by Sunday some voters had already received and filled out their absentee ballots for the election and voted for McMorrow.

The Michigan Secretary of State released a statement on Monday relative to the steps these voters can take to “spoil” their ballots and make their voices heard.

“Michigan voters have time to request a new mail-in (absentee) ballot if they voted for a candidate who has dropped out,” read the statement.

“The official process, called ‘spoiling’ a ballot, allows your local clerk to mark your original ballot invalid and issue a new one if your request is made before the deadlines and your ballot has not already been counted. This can be done in-person, or by submitting a written and signed request to your clerk, stating you need a new mail-in (absentee) ballot and if you’d like it mailed or will pick it up.”

For voters who have already mailed in their ballots, the deadline to take the above steps is before 5 p.m. on Friday, July 24.

For voters who have already filled out absentee ballots but have not mailed them in, the deadline to receive a new absentee ballot is before 5 p.m. on Friday, July 31. These voters can also spoil ballots in person at their local clerk’s office up until 4 p.m. the day before the election.

The Michigan Primary Election will be held Aug. 4.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.