On Tuesday, November 8, there will be statewide general elections occurring all over the country. If you are a U.S. citizen you have the option to register to vote here in Ann Arbor using your college address, or you can register to vote using your home address somewhere else in Michigan or outside the state. Consider local issues and ballot proposals that are important to you. Not sure what is going to be on either ballot? You can research every candidate and ballot measure using your address on this website to make sure that you go to the ballot box informed, prepared, and ready to vote. Also consider which would be easier for you. This close to the election it may be difficult to request an absentee ballot, so make a plan to vote in person at your voting location.
There are many helpful links on the UMICH Votes website. If you think you are already registered to vote, double-check that the correct information is on your registration and that you are ready to go. Each state may have slightly different voter registration deadlines, which you can find here. In Michigan, even if you missed the deadline to register online, you can register in person any time up until 8pm on Election Day at the city clerk's office. On campus there will be satellite clerk offices where you can register and vote on Election Day: at the UMMA on Central Campus and the Duderstadt Gallery on North Campus. They are open at different times in the lead-up to election day, and both will be open 8am-8pm on November 8. You check their hours here. There will be staff there to help answer questions and make the process easier for you!
Included in this election are the races for Michigan Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General. Federally there are also seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, candidates for which will differ based on the congressional district your registered address is located within. In addition to the slate of state-wide candidates in Michigan, there are also three ballot initiatives:
- Proposal 1 which would require legislators to disclose their finances every year and places a total term limit of 12 years for every state legislator
- Proposal 2 would amend the constitution to add provisions to the constitution to make elections more accessible and secure
- Proposal 3 would establish an individual right to reproductive freedom, including the right to make and carry out pregnancy-related decisions.
Your opinion and your voice matters! There are many campus organizations like Democracy & Debate and Turn Up Turnout that are passionate about increasing civic engagement among students if you are looking for further ways to be involved. The Ginsberg Center also offers opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to have an impact on their community through civic engagement.