Secretary Benson celebrates Michigan’s first-ever Voter Preregistration Week, launching an online portal with mock election resources for schools

Comprehensive digital toolkit now available to promote voting knowledge, civic engagement in K-12 education

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. - Today at Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced the launch of a new online mock elections portal, a resource for K-12 schools, educators, and youth organizations to encourage civic engagement by hosting their own mock elections for students. The announcement marks the start of Michigan Voter Preregistration Week, which was designated as Sept. 8-14 this year by an official proclamation by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

"As we kick off the state's first-ever Voter Preregistration week, my message to young people is that Michigan needs your voice, your engagement, and your participation in our democratic process," said Secretary Benson. "If you're 16 or 17, get preregistered to vote and if you're 18 or older, make sure you're registered. Even if you're not old enough to cast a ballot yet, understanding the system and the power of one vote is important. Our new online mock election resource will help students across the state get valuable knowledge and experience with voting, so they are well-prepared to be informed, active, and engaged citizens in the future."

"Voting is one of the most important rights and responsibilities in a democracy," said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. "We appreciate working with Secretary Benson and the Secretary of State team to educate high school students about how they can participate in the democratic process. It's an important real-life lesson."

"Even if we are not old enough to vote, we can still be a part of the electoral process," said Crestwood senior and National Honor Society president Hala Komaiha, who spoke at today's press conference. "For those of us who are 18 years old, registering to vote and participating in every election is crucial. And for 16- and 17-year-olds, preregistering now prepares you for the future. The decisions that shape our everyday lives are being made constantly and voting is one of the most powerful ways we can influence those decisions. By staying informed and getting involved early, we contribute to a more engaged and represented society. This is especially true for young people. Our voices matter. We bring fresh perspectives that drive change on issues directly affecting our future. By getting registered and educated about elections, we empower ourselves and ensure our generation has a say in shaping the direction of our communities and country."

"Our democracy depends on our youngest citizens developing informed and healthy civic identities," said Ellen Zwarensteyn, executive director of the Michigan Center for Civic Education (MCCE). "Educators need tools and professional learning to equip students with the knowledge and opportunities to practice democratic skills. In addition to the new Department of State mock elections resource, MCCE's MiVoice MiVote Toolkit provides educators and students the materials and opportunities to realize PA 258 and advance more dynamic voting and elections education. MCCE celebrates the Michigan Department of State for acknowledging the importance that schools and educators play in developing opportunities for a lifetime of civic education and engagement."

Throughout 2024, Secretary Benson has been hosting mock elections at various Michigan schools to promote democracy and engage students in the elections process. With the mock elections portal, schools will now have all the tools they need to host a mock election and help students get familiar with voting and election procedures.

WATCH:Secretary Benson's step-by-step guide to hosting a mock election

During a mock election, students are selected as a secretary of state, election clerk, poll workers, and election observers - with each of the roles explained to them and then demonstrated. Students decide on a topic for the election, nominate candidates, and then vote. Students will learn about the process of counting the ballots in Michigan and eventually announce a "winner" to the group. The full toolkit can be viewed online at Michigan.gov/MockElections.

The launch is in coordination with the start of Voter Preregistration Week, which highlights the opportunity for youth, between the ages of 16 and 17.5, to legally preregister to vote. Legislation passed and signed into law in 2023 allows 16 and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote if they are a Michigan resident, a U.S. citizen, and not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison. Once preregistered, Michigan teens will be automatically registered to vote when they turn 18.

Under the new law, 16 and 17-year-olds who obtain a driver's license or state ID at a Secretary of State office will be automatically preregistered to vote unless they opt out. Young people who preregister can vote by absentee ballot or in person at an early voting site as long as they will be 18 on or before Election Day. Learn more about preregistration online.

All Michigan citizens can register to vote, update their registration online, or learn about the safe and secure ways to cast a ballot in the upcoming November presidential election by visiting Michigan.gov/Vote.

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