Rack the Vote
Voters aged 18 to 35 represent the largest voting bloc in the United States. When you vote, you have the power to shape policy and politics, and to prioritize what you care about. According to data from the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement, approximately 78 percent of eligible Michigan students voted in the 2020 presidential election, an increase of 18 points. But we can still do better.
In 2020, nearly 9,000 eligible University of Michigan students did not vote. Rack the Vote is a nonpartisan resource to direct members of the Rackham community to information that will help them navigate Michigan’s voting laws and make their voices heard. Look for #RackTheVote on social, and please use it to spread the word and encourage your friends to vote. Below is some information from michiganvoting.org.
Voting Information
Can I register to vote?
You can register to vote in the November 8 election in Michigan if:
- You are a U.S. citizen;
- You are a resident of a city or township in Michigan for at least 30 days (or will be by February 27, 2024);
- You are at least 18 years old (or will be by February 27, 2024); and
- You are not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison.
What address do I use to register to vote?
You use the address you consider to be your primary residence. Your primary residence is the place where you sleep most regularly and keep your belongings.
What if I’m a student?
Students who come from Michigan and attend a school in Michigan can register to vote at their school address or their home address. Students coming from Michigan who attend a school outside of Michigan can still register to vote at their home address in Michigan. Students who are not from Michigan but are attending school in Michigan can register to vote at their school address in Michigan. For questions about registering to vote in other states, check out the resources on voting in that state.
If you have a Michigan driver’s license or state ID card and you are registered to vote in Michigan, your voter registration address and the address on your ID will be the same. If you change the address on one, it will automatically change the other. The Secretary of State will mail you a sticker with your new address to place on your license or ID card. Once registered, you can change your address through Michigan’s online voter registration system.
What if I’m an international student?
While international students, like other non-U.S. citizens, cannot vote in U.S. elections, you can participate in other ways. The U-M International Center will provide ideas and resources each election cycle for those interested in engaging with the U.S. election process on their website as the election draws closer.
If You Are a Registered Voter in Michigan
If you are a registered voter in Michigan, you can vote by absentee ballot through the mail.
If You Are a Voter Registered Outside Michigan
If you are a voter registered outside Michigan, you have the option of registering to vote here or staying with your previous registration. Register online as a Michigan voter (requires a valid Michigan driver’s license or state identification and knowledge of your Social Security Number).
If You Are Not Registered to Vote
If you are not registered to vote in Michigan, you can register online to vote (requires a valid Michigan driver’s license or state identification and knowledge of your Social Security Number).
If You Do Not Know Whether You Are Registered to Vote
If you do not know whether you are registered to vote in Michigan, you can check your Michigan voter registration status online.
Key Dates
January 18, 2024
Absentee ballots become available online and at local clerks’ offices.
January 28, 2024
Voting early in person begins at your local clerks’ office.
February 12, 2024
Last day to register to vote by mail or online in order to vote in 2024 Presidential Primary Election.
February 26, 2024
Early voting by absentee ballot at your local clerk’s office ends at 4:00 p.m.
February 27, 2024
Presidential Primary Election Day
Polls close at 8:00 p.m. You have the right to cast your vote if you are in line by 8:00 p.m.
In-person voter registration must be completed by 8:00 p.m.
Absentee voter ballots must be received by your township or city clerk by 8:00 p.m.
Student Mental Health Resources
Information to Manage Election-Related Stress
Engaging with the democratic process can be meaningful, but it can also be exhausting with heightened emotion and stress. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has put together some thoughts and strategies for coping and practicing self-care.
Wolverine Support Network
The Wolverine Support Network is a student-led peer support program developed by Central Student Government leaders in collaboration with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
The Big Ten Voting Challenge
The University of Michigan has partnered with TurboVote and the Big Ten Voting Challenge. Through TurboVote, you can sign up to receive election reminders, get registered to vote, and apply for your absentee ballot. TurboVote is a tool outside of the University of Michigan computing environment; no student data is shared by the university in this process. Shape the issues that matter to you most.
