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MI First Vote

Image of three young adults holding up the letters V, O, T, E, spelling out the word vote. They are all smiling.
Office of the Governor

MI First Vote

MI First Vote Video

MI First Vote

MI First Vote aims to ensure that everyone has the information they need to vote confidently. 

Voting is the most important thing you can do as a citizen. MI First Vote aims to emphasize the importance of participating in the democratic process, clear up misconceptions and apprehensions about voting, and ensure first-time voters are prepared to head to the ballot box. 
First Time Voters
Image of two people holding out their arms with fists made. The letters Y, O, U, R, V, O, T, E, M, A, T, T, E, R, S spelling out the words your vote matters are visibly written on their fingers.

Students

Make your voice heard! You can vote if you are:

  • At least 17.5 years old when you register and 18 when you vote
  • A Michigan resident
  • A resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote)

How to register:

  • If you have a state ID or license, are at least 17.5 years old, and it’s not within 15 days of an election, you can register to vote online.
  • Students that do not have state-issued identification may register to vote using this paper form.
  • Students that are not registered to vote before election day can vote by going to their clerk’s office to register and vote there or at their polling place. You will be asked to show ID when you check in to vote. You may check-in to vote using your student ID with photo from a high school or accredited institution of higher learning. 
  • Note! If you don’t have an ID, you can still vote. If this happens, a poll worker will ask you to sign a form before you vote that explains you didn’t have an ID. Your ballot will be included with all others and counted on Election Day.
Image of several people waiting in line at a table waiting to register to vote.

Returning Citizens

Know your rights! You can vote:
  • If you are a U.S. citizen, are at least 18 years old, and a Michigan resident
  • If you have a past conviction
  • If you are on parole
  • If you are on probation
  • If you are in or out of jail awaiting trial or sentencing
  • If you are NOT currently serving a sentence in jail or prison

How to register:

Image of a woman giving two thumbs up standing outside of a voting booth. She is smiling and has a vote button on her jacket.

New Citizens

Welcome to Michigan! You can vote if you are:

  • A U.S. Citizen
  • At least 18 years of age (when you vote)
  • A Michigan resident at the time of registration and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days when you cast your ballot.

How to register:

  • New citizens who establish Michigan residency are registered to vote automatically when they apply for a Michigan license or ID unless they choose to opt-out. 
  • For more information about voting as a new citizen, check out the Secretary of State’s Information for New Citizens page.

Additional Resources

Visit the SOS’s Voter Information page for FAQs about voter registration, election day processes, and how to get involved in the voting process.