Teenagers Can Now Pre-Register To Vote in Michigan

Registering to vote seems to be more important than ever these days in the United States. Political Discourse is at an all-time high, and the want and need to participate, and to help determine our political future is imperative. 

The worst thing you could do as a young person is forget to register in time, especially if your 18th birthday comes right before an important election. But have no fear, teens in Michigan can now pre-register, and be absolutely sure they won’t miss any important elections once they come of age. 

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This year, Michigan has joined 16 other states, and the District of Columbia, that will allow teens who are 16 and 17 years old to pre-register to vote. 

The idea, that most officials hope, is that it encourages young voters to get involved in politics earlier, and even be informed some before their first election after they turn 18. It would also cut down on wait times due to last-minute registration, as Michigan is also a state that allows same-day registration and voting. 

The only exception to the new law would be 17-year-olds who will turn 18 within 6 months, as they can register to vote normally. 

Youth voter turnout has seen a massive turnaround since the 2020 election. During the 1996 Presidential election, youth turnout was at its lowest in decades, with just 39.6 percent of 18-29-year-olds showing up at the polls. But 2020 brought young voters back to the polls, and rebounded to 55 percent. 

The last time voting was that high in young voters was during the 1972 presidential election, when Richard Nixon overwhelmingly beat Geroge McGovern. 

If you are 16 or 17 years old and would like to start the preregistration process, you can visit the Michigan Voter Information Center.