Sen. Bernie Sanders blasted long polling lines in Michigan Tuesday night, calling them an “outrage.”
“At a time when Democrats correctly attack Republicans for voter suppression, it is disappointing to see people standing in long lines for hours today waiting to vote in Michigan and around the country. People should not have to miss a day of work to exercise their right to vote. This is an outrage,” Sanders said in a statement.
“Election officials must address these problems immediately, and if necessary, keep polling places open longer.”
Inbox: @BernieSanders releases a statement addressing reportedly long lines in today’s primary states
— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) March 10, 2020
“At a time when Democrats correctly attack Republicans for voter suppression, it is disappointing to see people standing in long lines for hours today waiting to vote” pic.twitter.com/YvLThzm2K5
Sanders's campaign political director for Michigan also called the long lines "unacceptable."
A Michigan State University student after waiting over an hour in line to vote, called it quits and walked out. He said “this is bullshit, I can’t wait this long, I have to get to work.”@MichSoS, this is unacceptable. #MichiganPrimary #YouthVote2020
— Abshir Omar (@AbshirDSM) March 10, 2020
Polls are officially closed in Michigan, but the East Lansing city clerks office is still packed with students who have been waiting on average 3 hours to vote.
— Abshir Omar (@AbshirDSM) March 11, 2020
This is what the line currently looks like. Btw most of these people are voting for @BernieSanders. #MichiganPrimary pic.twitter.com/g6YxSUZsMn
All eyes are on Michigan Tuesday, which is a must-win state for Sanders to stay competitive in the race. He narrowly won the state in 2016 against Hillary Clinton.
There are 352 delegates at stake on Tuesday among six states, but Michigan is the biggest prize of the night with 125.
Biden is projected to win Mississippi and Missouri.