Michigan Could Allow High School Students to Preregister to Vote

A man fills walks past voting signs displayed outside a polling station during the mid-term elections in Hamtramck, Michigan, in this Nov. 4, 2014 file photo. Joshua Lott/Getty Images

A Democrat Rep. in the Michigan House of Reps. introduced a bill that would allow 16-year-olds to preregister to vote, putting them in the state’s system, and enabling them to vote on their 18th birthday. Proponents say the bill will allow young people to channel their enthusiasm for civic participation and likely increase voter turnout. Those opposed say it could lead to more work and increased costs if the young voters move before they turn 18.

Democrat state Rep. Betsy Coffia introduced House Bill 4569 on May 23 during a House Elections Committee hearing. Coffia said she believes preregistration of teens will “voting processes efficient for all” and “increase the likelihood” of higher voter turnout.

Michigan aims to join the District of Columbia and 14 states allow preregistration of 16-year-olds, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

Michigan Secretary of State said, according to one analysis, the state has the highest voter turnout for voters ages 18-29, at 37 percent in Michigan, compared to the national average of 23 percent. Additionally, Michigan was one of only four states where youth turnout was higher in 2022 than in 2018.

“We continue working with Michigan’s colleges and universities and their local clerks to ensure young citizens can conveniently cast their ballot and know how to do so, and I’m thrilled to see data recognizing the impact of our work,” said Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in an April press statement.

Coffia and her fellow Democrats agree that this bill will help target uninformed or disengaged potential voters.

Students walk across the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

“The [Advanced Placement] government teacher in me loves every part of this right now, “ said Democratic state Rep. Matt Koleszar. “It’s getting the youngest voting block engaged early.”

A Republican elections committee member state Rep. Jay DeBoyer voiced opposition to the preregistration bill and a number of other voting bills that the Democrats introduced at the May 23 hearing.

DeBoyer said the preregistration effort could become costly if the student moves before their eighteenth birthday and lead to logistical issues.

“Since preregistered youth may move between that registration and their first chance to vote, information may frequently be no longer accurate or valid,” a Michigan GOP press statement read. “Additional costs could be incurred having to notify these pre-registered voters once they turn 18 to confirm personal information—which also leads to security issues.”

A representative from The Fair Elections Center said DeBoyer’s concern is unwarranted.

“A popular misconception about preregistration is that young people move around so frequently that their information would need to be updated before voting for the first time, thereby making preregistration a wasted effort. However, preregistered voters remain valid on the voter rolls at a rate similar to other registrants,” said Landon Myers from The Fair Elections Center in his written statement in support of HB 4569.

Young voters have historically been the least likely to vote, and 2020 Census data shows voter participation increasing with age.

By preregistering high school students, Coffia believes her bill would allow young people to ask questions, get information, and gain enthusiasm for voting from their teachers, even if their own families do not vote.

“This would allow these young people to have more of a support system if perhaps that is not the case at home, to help them become very active in civic engagement,” Coffia said.