FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PHOTOS: Lt. Governor Gilchrist Kicks Off MI First Vote Tour Three-stop tour will visit Michigan schools to register voters and encourage civic participation by Michigan high school seniors DETROIT, Mich. – Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist today kicked off the MI First Vote Tour, a three-stop tour to register new voters, clear up misconceptions and apprehensions about voting, and ensure young voters have everything they need for a successful first vote. Lt. Governor Gilchrist visited the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy and took part in a roundtable to discuss the importance of civic participation and what students can expect when they vote. Lt. Governor Gilchrist was joined by Jalen Rose and Civic 360, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to boosting civic participation in Michigan.
“As young Michiganders head to the ballot box for the first time this fall, it is critical to ensure they have everything they need to vote,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “That is why I am excited to announce the MI First Vote Tour, an initiative to educate young voters on how to get registered and vote. Michigan’s future belongs to our young voters, and Governor Whitmer and I are committed to supporting them.”
“Your vote counts as your voice and it is paramount to be represented in your local, state and presidential elections,” said JRLA Founder, Jalen Rose. “Failure to vote can no longer be an option.”
“Democracy For All, a program of the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund and Civic360 are excited for this great opportunity to partner with Jalen Rose Leadership Academy to empower our youth with voter education/registration,” said Olu Jabari, State Director of Civic 360-Democracy for All. “The voice of our youth is critical to building a strong democracy.”
The Tufts University Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) found in a study that 50% of eligible voters aged 18-29 cast a ballot in the 2020 election, compared to only 39% of eligible youth voters in 2016. CIRCLE also estimated that 46% of new voters – young people ages 18-19 – voted in 2020.
Often, eligible young people choose not to vote due to apathy, a lack of understanding about how to get registered or how to vote, or lack of engagement by government or voter registration efforts. The MI First Vote tour will travel to Michigan high schools to ensure young voters have everything they need for a successful first vote.
The MI First Vote tour will continue with stops in Southfield and River Rouge.
Whitmer Administration Actions on Voting
In May, Governor Whitmer signed executive directive 2022-04, instructing all state departments and agencies to identify and assess potential opportunities to help eligible Michiganders register to vote and gain access to reliable information about voting.
Under the executive directive, state departments and agencies must look at ways to provide Michiganders with reliable information on voter registration and voting, including displays in public spaces, printed materials, online information, public announcements, and social media posts. They must also consider which of their offices could help register voters by distributing vote by mail applications, helping Michiganders complete their voter registration forms, and accepting applications for voter registration.
Michigan’s state government interacts with citizens from all walks of life in countless ways: from providing fishing and driver’s licenses to supporting veterans, educating children, and administering Medicaid or food assistance. This level of engagement which extends to all 83 Michigan counties, provides the state an opportunity and obligation to reach the citizens they serve and empower them to fully participate in our democracy.
The executive directive can be viewed here.
On October 7, Governor Whitmer signed legislation strengthening elections and expanding voting access by allowing clerks to pre-process absentee ballots two days prior to Election Day. The legislation also allows our overseas military members to return their ballot electronically, making it easier for service men and women to participate in our elections.
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Lt. Governor Gilchrist Kicks Off MI First Vote Tour
