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16 Year Olds Could Pre-Register To Vote Under Bill At State Capitol

States are beginning to plan to pivot to conduct largely vote by mail elections during the coronavirus pandemic. In Michigan, two to three million voters are expected to vote from home.
newamericamedia.org

Michigan teens would be able to pre-register to vote under a proposal in Lansing.

We have more from The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Jake Neher.

16 and 17 year olds would be able to fill out their voter registration paperwork when they get their driver’s licenses. The state would mail their voter cards when they turn 18.

Democratic state Senator Steve Bieda says he wants to boost youth participation in elections.

   “Often times it’s that procrastinator step of actually registering to vote,” he says.

Bieda is sponsoring a number of bills meant to make voting easier in Michigan. Other bills would allow no-reason absentee voting and online registration.

Jake Neher is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He covers the State Legislature and other political events in Lansing.
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