LANSING - America is still counting ballots, but Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II addressed the election and what’s next for Michigan’s role in the pandemic.

Whitmer congratulated presidential candidates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris along with other state officials that won races in the state of Michigan.

“This was a hard-fought election on both sides,” said Whitmer. “Shattering the record for the most votes cast in the history of our state, with more than 5.1 million votes and over 3.2 absentee ballots cast.”

Gilchrist also addressed the record voter turnout in this year’s election.

“At the core of this excitement was a once-in-a-generation turnout from Black voters,” said Gilchrist. “Black men are a crucial voting block who will support candidates that will make room at the table for our vision of change.”

The Governor reminded Michigan residents that coronavirus cases continue to rise in the staten and across the country.

“We have a common enemy, and it is COVID-19, not one another,” said Whitmer. “I’m ready to work with the president and our state legislature on areas where we can find common ground to keep our state safe.”