Michelle Obama campaigns with VP Harris in Kalamazoo, MI

Kalamazoo, MI — On the same day early in-person voting begins statewide in Michigan, Vice President Kamala Harris and former first lady Michelle Obama are campaigning in Kalamazoo. It's the first time Obama has hit the trail for the Democratic nominee.

Obama and Harris hope to "drive enthusiasm and mobilize voters to cast their ballots." Crowds cheered, and waved signs of support with many appearing joyous at the sight of both women. It was Harris’ second visit to West Michigan in two weeks. She held a rally in Grand Rapids Oct. 18. 

Saturday's rally came the day after Harris was in Houston, Texas for an appearance with superstar Beyoncé. That event highlighted the conservative state's abortion ban, which was enacted after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Three of the justices who voted to overturn Roe were nominated by Trump.

Ahead of the rally with Obama, Harris will reportedly stop at a doctor's office in Portage, where her campaign said she'll talk about reproductive rights with healthcare providers and medical students.

Absentee voting started in Michigan weeks ago, with some 1.4 million ballots already returned as of Friday evening, according to the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office.

Both candidates appear to recognize Michigan's significance as Election Day approaches: The Associated Press track of both campaigns’ public events shows a combined 42 visits to Michigan since March as of Tuesday.

A recent Emerson College Polling survey recorded an outright tie in Michigan, with 49% of voters saying they intended to vote for Harris and 49% for Former President Donald Trump.

Trump held a rally in Novi, near Detroit, on Saturday.