Michigan Department of State celebrates Voter Preregistration Week

Michigan citizens ages 16 and up can preregister to vote under state law

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie and the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) celebrate Voter Preregistration Week by encouraging eligible 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer designated the week of Sept. 6, 2026, as Voter Preregistration Week by an official proclamation.

"Michigan continues to lead the nation in young voter turnout, thanks in part to our strong preregistration laws," said Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie. "We are one of the only states that had higher turnout from young voters in the 2024 election compared to 2020. Every eligible Michigander has the right to vote for the candidates and policies they believe in. Preregistration helps our youngest voters take the first step in what we hope will be a life-long journey of civic engagement."

Legislation passed and signed into law in 2023 allows eligible 16- and 17-year-old Michigan residents to preregister to vote. Teens who complete a qualifying transaction at a branch office - like getting a driver's license or state ID - are automatically preregistered to vote at the time of the transaction. Just as with automatic voter registration, only U.S. citizens qualify for automatic voter preregistration. Anyone who does not wish to stay on the state's voter registration file can opt out by mail. Eligible 16- and 17-year-olds can also preregister online, by mail, or at their clerk's office. Once a preregistered voter turns 18, their voter registration will automatically become active without requiring them to register again.

Everyone voting in the upcoming Nov. 3 General Election has options - apply for a mail ballot to be sent to you, cast your ballot at an early voting site Oct. 24 through Nov. 1, or come to your polling place in person by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

The Bureau of Elections posts statistics and information about automatic registration and preregistration online each month.

Learn more at mi.gov/preregistration.

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