GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Young Michiganders looking to get a head start on being able to cast their first election ballot will soon have a new way to do so.
Previously, those who were at least 17.5 years old were able to pre-register to vote if they would be 18 by Election Day.
But under House Bill 4569, signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Nov. 30 and set to take effect on Feb. 13, anyone as young as 16 will be able to pre-register to vote and, therefore, be automatically able to cast their ballot in the first election following their 18th birthday.
"Young voters in Michigan have been turning out in record numbers to make their voices heard in our elections," a spokesperson for Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson told 13 ON YOUR SIDE on Tuesday. "The new law gives young Michiganders the opportunity to pre-register to vote at age 16 when they get their driver’s license, so they’re ready to cast a ballot when they turn 18."
The bill's author cited other legal responsibilities undertaken at 16 as justification for the change.
"Sixteen is a point of significant—taking on some significant legal accountability," the bill's sponsor, Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), told a House committee in May. "For example, you get your driver's license—you are considered by the state to be legally able to obey and be accountable to traffic laws, just like any other licensed driver. So, that it was sort of tied to that. And, again, this was a suggestion that came to me from some local clerks."
Grand Rapids City Clerk Joel Hondorp said he sees the move as a boost for future voters.
"Those 16 year olds, 17 year olds are really excited to get to the Secretary of State's office, because they get their driver's license," Hondorp said. "And so, they will get in that queue and then, as soon as they turn 18, they'll automatically be registered to vote. There's one less hoop or hurdle they have to go through in order to do that."
Those pre-registering will be able to do so in the same fashion as they would for regular registration, either online or in-person at a Secretary of State location or their local clerk's office.
Hondorp said it's easier not just for the voters, but for clerks who process the voter's paperwork and make sure they're ready to go on Election Day.
"These [pre-registration applications] will sit inside the background and qualified voter file; they'll become active when they turn 18," Hondorp said. "So, there'll be an automatic process and when they get ready, when they hit 18 and they're registered to vote, that'll produce the paperwork that we need to file for their [voter] cards. And so, there'll be all ready to vote when they're on their 18th birthday."
For more details on the registration process, visit the Michigan Department of State's website.
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