Governor Gretchen Whitmer speaks to Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris at a campaign rally at Northwestern High School in Detroit on Sept. 2. (AP Photo)

MARQUETTE – Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist have declared the week of Sept. 8 as Voter Pre-Registration Week, encouraging eligible Michigan residents to pre-register to vote.

Pre-registration allows teens ages 16 and older in Michigan to be proactive and ensure they are registered to vote once they turn 18. According to the proclamation, more than 126,000 young people in Michigan will be eligible to pre-register to vote in 2024.

Younger voters often lack the resources and support needed to learn how to register to vote and cast their ballot. Initiatives like pre-registration stimulate interest in civic engagement and allow young voters to become informed and excited about local, state and federal elections.

“Voting is a fundamental right and it is vital that we continue to take action to remove unnecessary barriers to voting so that every citizen can participate in our democracy,” Said Gilchrist.

Pre-registration week also provides an opportunity to open a dialogue about voting at home and at school and to encourage younger voters to talk to their parents, educators and peers about voting and how to make their voices heard.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who recently came to Northern Michigan University to host a panel discussion on youth voting, said: “We are preparing the next generation of voters to inherit their democracy, and their enthusiasm to make their voices heard is infectious.”

“Our democracy is strongest when every eligible citizen can raise his or her voice at the ballot box,” said Whitmer. “Here in Michigan, we have taken action to protect everyone’s constitutional right to vote. I signed legislation establishing a voter pre-registration system that helps young Michiganders be ready to vote as early as 18. This system allows future voters to be proactive and empowers our children to be more civically engaged, helping us build a stronger democracy for all Michiganders. No matter who you are or who you vote for, I will continue to fight against voter suppression laws and make it easier for you to cast your ballot and have it count.”

For more information on voter preregistration, visit michigan.gov/sos/elections/voting/preregistration. For general voting information, visit mvic.sos.state.mi.us.