NEW: Levin Celebrates Just-Released Early Vote Numbers in Macomb and Oakland Counties

WARREN, MI - Today, Congressman Andy Levin (MI-09) released the following statement after reviewing absentee ballot numbers ahead of Election Day released this hour: 

“Day after day, I remain astonished by the record turnout across Macomb and Oakland Counties in my district. Before the polls even opened this morning, 231,669 ballots had already been returned, nearly 3 times the number of absentee ballots than the final total of absentee ballots cast in this district in 2016. Of the absentee ballots in, an amazing 55,885, or almost a quarter of the total, are from folks who did not vote at all in 2016, and 28,386 are from 18-29-year-olds – the enthusiasm among our young people is palpable!

“As we looked towards this historic day from the two crucial swing counties in this battleground state, I committed that I would increase the number of Democratic votes, particularly in my portion of Macomb County to help deliver this national bellwether, and therefore this swing state, for Joe Biden and for Senator Gary Peters. After sending over 336,000 texts, making over 21,000 calls, mailing over 40,000 handwritten postcards, visiting over 25,000 doorsteps – many of them in Macomb County – I am optimistic that we are on our way to a Biden-Harris victory and a Democratic Senate. 

“What does this say about America in 2020 and about the direction of the county? It says that when we have a clear economic message about taking care of the working class, unifying voters with kitchen table issues of high wages, affordable health care, good benefits, strong unions, and a decent retirement, folks are motivated to vote. For 40 years, working-class voters have gotten the short end of the stick. In 2016, Michigan took a chance on a businessman who did not deliver for them. These early vote numbers indicate that Michigan’s Ninth District is placing faith in our democracy and in our ability to right our course. I look forward to exciting and decisive results over the days ahead.”