Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks before Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris at a campaign event at Northwestern High School in Detroit on Sept. 2. (AP photo)

MARQUETTE — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist proclaimed the week of Sept. 8 as Voter Preregistration Week, encouraging eligible Michiganders to preregister to vote.

Preregistration allows teenage Michiganders 16 years and older to take proactive action and ensure they are enrolled to vote as soon as they turn 18. According to the proclamation, more than 126,000 young people in Michigan are eligible to preregister to vote in 2024.

Younger voters often lack the resources and support needed to learn how to register to vote and cast their ballots. Initiatives such as preregistration spur interest in civic engagement and enable young voters to get informed and excited about voting at the local, state and federal levels.

“Voting is a fundamental right, and it’s crucial that we continue taking action to knock down unnecessary barriers to the ballot box so every citizen can participate in our democracy,” Gilchrist said.

Preregistration Week also offers an opportunity to open a dialogue about voting at home and school, encouraging younger voters to talk with 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 hold a roundtable discussion on youth voters, said, “We’re preparing the next generation of voters to inherit their democracy and their enthusiasm to make their voices heard is energizing.”

“Our democracy is strongest when every eligible citizen can make their voices heard at the ballot box,” Whitmer said. “Here in Michigan, we’ve taken action to protect everyone’s constitutional right to vote. I signed laws establishing a voter preregistration system that helps young Michiganders be ready to vote as soon as they turn 18. This system allows future voters to take proactive action and empowers our kids to become more civically engaged, helping us build a stronger democracy for every Michigander. No matter who you are or who you’re voting for, I’ll keep fighting against voter suppression laws and make it easier for you to cast your vote and have it counted.”

More information about voting preregistration can be found at michigan.gov/sos/elections/voting/preregistration. General information about voting can be found at mvic.sos.state.mi.us.