LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A report by Tufts University’s Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (TUCCE) indicates an upward trend in youth voter registration leading up to Election Day. This is causing some experts to speculate a much higher voting turnout than previous years. 

Among the three proposals on the ballot in Michigan, Proposition 3 has been an issue particularly important to those in the 18 – 24 age group.  

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After the first gubernatorial debate, a concerned college student asked how Republican Candidate Tudor Dixon would address promoting job opportunities for those entering the workforce, and a high schooler asked how Dixon would address crime, particularly in the schools.  The economy and crime are issues also very important to young voters. 

TUCCE shows that 32.7% of eligible young voters ages 18-29 in Michigan cast a ballot in 2018, up from 15.3% in 2014 according to the Detroit News.  Tufts University’s analysis of Michigan voter data shows that voter registrations among 18- to 24-year-olds have increased 38%.  New voter registration for Michigan residents younger than 30 years has also increased since June 1.   

“I’m not going to be surprised if we see that states where abortion is on the ballot, it becomes a really motivating factor,” Elections Coordinator at Tufts University’s Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement Ruby Belle said. “I would guess that that’s why we’re seeing some of this jump in registration in Michigan.”

Michigan Secretary of State data shows that 64% of the 176,197 new registered voters are under the age of 30 since June 1.  In 2018, Michigan voters approved constitutional amendments that reformed state elections, allowing for no-excuse absentee voting and same-day voter registration up until Election Day. 

Voters ages 18-29 played a significant role in helping Democrats win in Michigan two years ago. They made up 13% of the votes cast in Michigan that year, and exit polling showed 62% supported Democrat Joe Biden while 35% voted for Republican then-President Donald Trump, Belle said.

Perhaps this is part of the reason why Governor Gretchen Whitmer made her final campaign stop at Michigan State University.  Students received the following texts last night before the event:

“Team Whitmer here. Don’t miss Gov. Whitmer & MSU Dems grand finale rally tonight 5-7pm at MSU Auditorium Field. Bring your friends and family! RSVP before space runs out. Bring your ‘I Voted’ sticker to get special seating near the front. See you tonight! 

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RSVP: whitmermi.com/rally

Reply Stop to End”

MSU students also received the following text on Tuesday morning:

“Happy Election Day, Spartans!

If you haven’t voted yet, head to Brody Hall before 8pm today. You can register and cast your ballot in just a few minutes with the help of the East Lansing City Clerk! And if you reply to this text I’ll answer any questions you may have. 

See you at Brody!”

Belle believes that the increased voter registration can have a big impact on the results of this election.  

“It is hard to say exactly what all of this will look like in Michigan this cycle,” Belle said. “But coupling the fact that registration numbers there have far surpassed 2018…with the fact that young people in Michigan had a role in swinging the state blue in 2020, there is reason to believe that young people may have a notable impact on the results of the 2022 elections there.”

In the tossup race for Congress in the 7th District, MSU students could tip the race, said Democratic U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Lansing, who is facing GOP state Sen. Tom Barrett of Charlotte.  

“I think Michigan State in particular could decide the election in a close race. That’s why we had over 280 students do paid, voter registration shifts with us. We’ve invested a lot of time and staff and resources there,” Slotkin said. 

Slotkin met with canvassers on campus Sunday,  and said there was a long line Monday at a satellite clerk’s office on campus, where students could register and vote at the same time in Brody Hall.

“We just deployed folks there to make sure people stay in line and don’t get frustrated and leave,” Slotkin said, “So we’ve paid very close attention to the Michigan State students, and I think it is one of the handful of districts in the country where college students can really make the difference.”