Detroit's voter turnout could surpass 2020, officials predict

Zoom in: City Clerk Janice Winfrey on Thursday projected 51-55% of Detroit's 524,000 registered voters would cast ballots in this election.

• Before 2020, the city's turnout was 49% in 2016, 51% in 2012 and 53% in 2008.

Between the lines: Early in-person and absentee voting has been popular so far, giving officials a sense that enthusiasm is high.

• About 22,000 Detroiters have voted at the city's early voting centers and another 81,000 have returned absentee ballots so far, Winfrey said during a press conference at Huntington Place.

Threat level: With election day nearing, Winfrey advised against returning absentee ballots by mail. Voters should return completed ballots to one of the city's 34 drop boxes.

What's next: Early in-person voting is still available across the state through Sunday.