Beginning June 1, eligible Michigan residents who are automatically registered or preregistered to vote through a qualifying Secretary of State transaction will receive a follow-up notice in the mail explaining how to opt out if they choose.

According to the Michigan Department of State (MDOS), the change is being implemented to comply with updates to Michigan election law enacted in 2023.

Michigan voters approved automatic voter registration through a constitutional amendment in 2018. Since 2019, eligible residents completing qualifying transactions at Secretary of State branch offices have been automatically registered to vote when applying for or renewing a driver’s license or state ID. Eligible residents between the ages of 16 and 17½ are automatically preregistered to vote.

Only U.S. citizens are eligible for automatic voter registration or preregistration.

What Is Changing?

Eligible residents who complete a qualifying transaction at a Secretary of State branch office will continue to be automatically registered or preregistered to vote at the time of their transaction.

The change is that newly registered voters will now receive a letter in the mail that includes:

• Confirmation of their voter registration or preregistration
• A prepaid return envelope
• A pre-addressed opt-out form

Individuals who do not wish to remain registered may return the form by mail. Upon receiving the completed form, the Michigan Department of State will remove the registration from the Qualified Voter File and notify the individual’s local clerk.

What Is Not Changing?

Automatic voter registration remains in effect in Michigan.

Eligible residents completing qualifying Secretary of State transactions will still be automatically registered or preregistered to vote unless they choose to opt out through the process established in state law.

Voters may also continue to cancel their voter registration at any time by submitting a written request to their city or township clerk.

The Michigan Department of State also publishes monthly information about automatic voter registration and preregistration through the Bureau of Elections.

As election procedures continue to evolve, understanding how voter registration works can help voters make informed decisions and avoid confusion when receiving election-related mail.