The Lt. Governor visited Michigan schools to encourage civic participation by Michigan high school seniors

RIVER ROUGE, MI – On Oct 18th, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II continued MI First Vote, an initiative to emphasize the importance of participating in the democratic process and clear up misconceptions and apprehensions about voting, with a visit to River Rouge High School alongside Tarence Wheeler. On Friday and Saturday, Lt. Governor Gilchrist kicked off MI First Vote with stops at the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit and Southfield Arts and Technical High School in Southfield, where he was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris. 

“As young Michiganders head to the ballot box for the first time this fall, it is critical to ensure that they understand the importance of voting and how to do so,” Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “I was proud to continue MI First Vote and connect with the senior class about the importance of staying engaged and making your voice heard. Michigan’s future belongs to our young voters, and Governor Whitmer and I are committed to supporting them.” 

“Active and engaged young voters are essential to a healthy democracy,” said Secretary Benson. “Your vote is your voice, and I urge every eligible high school student to make sure you are registered, informed and prepared to exercise your rights at the ballot box.” 

“Voting is an indispensable act of civic participation through which young people subscribe to democracy,” said Tarence Wheeler, founder and CEO of the Tarence Wheeler Foundation. 

“Democracy For All, a program of the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund and Civic360, is excited for this great opportunity,” said Olu Jabari, State Director of Civic360-Democracy for All. “The voice of our youth is critical to building a strong democracy.” 

The Tufts University Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) found in a study that 50% of eligible voters aged 18-29 cast a ballot in the 2020 election, compared to only 39% of eligible youth voters in 2016. CIRCLE also estimated that 46% of new voters – young people ages 18-19 – voted in 2020. 

Often, eligible young people choose not to vote due to apathy, a lack of understanding about how to get registered or how to vote, or lack of engagement by government or voter registration efforts. MI First Vote will travel to Michigan high schools to ensure young voters are prepared for a successful first vote.

Governor Whitmer’s Actions to Protect Voting Rights 

In May, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2022-04, instructing all state departments and agencies to identify and assess potential opportunities to help eligible Michiganders register to vote and gain access to reliable information about voting. 

Under the executive directive, state departments and agencies must look at ways to provide Michiganders with reliable information on voter registration and voting, including displays in public spaces, printed materials, online information, public announcements, and social media posts. They must also consider which, if any, of their offices could help register voters by distributing vote by mail applications, helping Michiganders complete their voter registration forms, and accepting applications for voter registration. 

Michigan’s state government interacts with citizens from all walks of life in countless ways: from providing fishing and driver’s licenses to supporting veterans, educating children, and administering Medicaid or food assistance. This level of engagement, which extends to all 83 Michigan counties, provides the state an opportunity and obligation to reach the citizens they serve and empower them to fully participate in our democracy. 

The executive directive can be viewed here. 

On October 7, Governor Whitmer signed legislation strengthening elections and expanding voting access by allowing clerks to pre-process absentee ballots two days prior to Election Day. The legislation also allows our overseas military members to return their ballot electronically, making it easier for service men and women to participate in our elections.