Victor Views on Registering to Vote

Election 2024 logo (cube) with red, white, and blue flag theme.

We have some time until the presidential elections on November 5, however, it’s never too early to stay informed! Voting is not only a right, but a responsibility and a privilege. It gives us a voice in shaping our future and the country’s future. To help you exercise your right, we have gathered some updated resources to help you prepare for the voting season. 
 

  1. Register to vote! In Michigan, you can register to vote until 8 p.m on election day itself! However, do not wait until the last minute in case you have last minute obligations. You can register online, by mail, or in person at the SOS branches. You must register in-person only if it is 14 days or fewer before election day. 
  2. If you are not living near your registered mailing address at the time of elections, submit an absentee ballot. You can request one online, by mail or in-person and must mail it at least 15 days before election day. 
  3. Vote 411 is an amazing website that helps you guide you through the whole voting process and can answer all your questions. The website can also break down your local ballot! 
  4. You can register to vote in Michigan using your student address in-person at the Ann Arbor City Clerk Office. If you want to change your voting address to Ann Arbor, you must update your registration. 
  5. Campus voting locations are at UMMA or Pierpoint Commons;  you can vote early in-person 9 days before the election at these locations. Check out govote.umich.edu for more information.  
  6. Check out your state voting website to ensure you are keeping up with the deadlines and information! Michigan’s website for voting is https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us. 
     

In the last presidential election of 2020, University of Michigan broke the voter turnout record from 2016 -- jumping from 60% to 78%. Voter registration increased, as well, to 4% on campus as highlighted in Rebecca Cohen’s article in The University Record. These stats highlight how important we are to elections in ensuring the country is listening to our generation. It is time we break records again and help shape the country’s future. See you in the voting season!