Many people are surprised to learn that individuals detained in Michigan county jails while awaiting arraignment, trial, or sentencing remain eligible to register to vote and vote by absentee ballot. Yet confusion around eligibility, limited access to information, and gaps in local systems often prevent eligible voters from participating in elections.

In the article, Davenport discusses the barriers many eligible voters face while detained, the importance of civic education and voter registration inside jails, and the work underway to expand jail voting access across Michigan.

The piece also highlights examples of how collaboration between advocates, election officials, sheriffs, and community organizations can help ensure eligible voters are not excluded from the democratic process simply because they are detained.

Jail voting remains a growing area of focus for VAAC’s work as the organization continues partnering with local officials, directly impacted leaders, and community organizations to expand access to voter registration, absentee voting, and civic education for eligible voters across Michigan.

Read the full article on the Michigan Voices Substack: Justice for Jail Voters

To learn more about VAAC’s jail voting work and how to get involved, visit:

The post New Michigan Voices Substack Features VAAC’s Work to Expand Jail Voting Access appeared first on Voting Access For All.

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.

The post Michigan Changes Automatic Voter Registration Process Beginning June 1 appeared first on Voting Access For All.