KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Voters in Kalamazoo County turned out for the August primary election, with many saying the top of the ticket — particularly the Democratic primary for Michigan's U.S. Senate seat — motivated them to cast a ballot. For some voters, it was their first time participating in a primary election. Before Election Day polls opened, early in-person votes in Kalamazoo County climbed from just over 1,000 in August 2024 to 2,600 in August 2026, 1,600 more ballots this round than the last. Kalamazoo County Clerk Meredith Place said participation is what matters most, regardless of who voters choose. Watch: Kalamazoo County voters turn out for August primary, with eyes on Michigan's U.S. Senate seatKalamazoo County voters turn out for August primary, with eyes on Michigan's U.S. Senate seatAbsentee ballots and early voting alone accounted for 22% turnout ahead of Election Day.