How to Pre-Register to Vote Once you are 16:
Step 1: Ensure Eligibility
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Be at least 16 years old.
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Be a resident of Michigan.
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Ensure you are not disqualified (e.g., no felony convictions or election crime convictions).
Step 2: Choose a Registration Method
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Online: Complete the pre-registration form on the Michigan Secretary of State website.
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By Mail: Obtain a voter registration form and submit it to your local clerk’s office.
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In-Person: Visit your local Secretary of State office or designated voter registration location.
Step 3: Complete the Pre-registration Form
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Provide necessary details such as name, address, date of birth.
Step 4: Submit Your Form
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Submit your completed form online, by mail, or in-person as per the chosen method.
Step 5: Confirm Your Registration
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After submitting, you’ll receive a confirmation that you’ve been pre-registered to vote.
Step 6: Vote at Age 18
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Once you turn 18, you will automatically be added to the voter rolls and eligible to vote in all elections.
Cities Where Teens Can Vote
In 2024, Newark, New Jersey, became the first city in the state—and the third in the U.S.—to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections. This change, driven by the student-led Vote16NJ campaign, empowered young people to influence policies directly affecting their education. By the registration deadline in March 2024, nearly 1,800 teens had registered to vote. The initiative has sparked interest in other cities, with similar reforms being considered in Jersey City and Atlantic City. Research from Takoma Park, Maryland, shows that early youth engagement leads to higher voter turnout, with 40% of young voters participating in the 2013 local election compared to 30% of the general population. This trend suggests that early involvement fosters a lasting voting habit, increasing civic participation over time.
Become a Poll Worker
One important way young people in Michigan can get involved in local elections is by serving as election inspectors, commonly known as poll workers. Through the state’s Democracy MVP program, individuals as young as 16 can be trained and paid to help run elections during both early voting and on Election Day. This hands-on opportunity allows students to support the democratic process, gain valuable civic experience, and play a crucial role in ensuring smooth, secure, and accessible elections in their communities. Becoming an election inspector provides students with a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how elections are conducted, helping them develop skills in organization, customer service, and problem-solving. In addition, by engaging in this role, young people are empowered to contribute directly to their community’s political process, fostering a sense of civic responsibility.