The Michigan House of Representatives passed a bill last week allowing 16 year olds to pre-register to vote. Right now, you have to be 17-and-a-half years old to pre-register, and people are automatically registered to vote when they renew their driver’s licenses.
Canton Township Clerk Michael Siegrist says pre-registering teens makes things easier on elections administrators, and improves voter participation.
“Not just because it will increase youth turnout not just because it will lead to better lists it's it's it's smart it's the smart thing to do." said Siegrist.
Michigan allows same-day registration, but in 2022, that led to long lines on college campuses, with some students waiting in line until after midnight to vote.
Republicans opposed the bill, which the Senate will take up when lawmakers return from their summer break.