September 8-14: Voter Preregistration Week

WHEREAS, the right to vote is one of the most cherished and fundamental rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution; and,

WHEREAS, in recognizing the importance of enrolling every eligible citizen as a registered voter, Michigan has implemented laws establishing a preregistration process that allows young people between the ages of 16 and 17.5 to preregister to vote; and,

WHEREAS, more than 126,000 young people in Michigan are eligible to preregister to vote in 2024; and,

WHEREAS, young people may preregister online, by mail, or in person at their local clerk’s office but are not allowed to vote in an election until they turn 18; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan law requires the Secretary of State and the Michigan Department of Education to annually coordinate a public education and voter outreach campaign engaging young people who are eligible to preregister or register to vote; and,

WHEREAS, the Department of Education shall, under MCL 168.496a, ensure that materials for voter registration and preregistration are available to pupils in each public high school in the state; and,

WHEREAS, initiatives like preregistration help spur interest and promote participation among young voters, who tend to be underrepresented at the polls and,

WHEREAS, research shows that young people are more likely to vote when their parents or other adults model good civic behaviors, and preregistration is an excellent way to begin a dialogue within the family and at school about the importance of voting; and,

WHEREAS, our communities benefit from an engaged and knowledgeable citizenry that takes an active role in determining the leaders and policies that affect their lives;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 8-14 as Voter Preregistration Week in Michigan.