When eligible Michigan residents complete a qualifying transaction at a Secretary of State branch office, they are automatically registered or preregistered to vote at the time of the transaction. Eligible residents between 16 and 17½ are automatically preregistered to vote.
Starting June 1, residents who are automatically registered to vote will receive a letter in the mail from the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) confirming their registration, along with a prepaid return envelope and a pre-addressed form for those who wish to opt out. Upon receiving the form, the Department of State will remove the resident’s registration from the voter file and notify their local clerk. Voters who wish to cancel their registration may also send a written request to the city or township clerk at any time.
Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2018 requiring MDOS to automatically register eligible residents to vote when they apply for or renew their driver’s license or state ID. In 2023, legislation established the new opt-out-by-mail process. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for automatic registration.
For more information, visit MDOS website or the the Bureau of Elections automatic registration page.
