LANSING- Today Senator Bert Johnson (D-Detroit) introduced legislation to allow for the pre-registration of voters when they apply for their driver license. The measure is aimed at streamlining the voter registration process for young voters.

“We need to be actively working to get our youth involved in the election process. They are a critical voice in the formation and function of our democracy,” said Senator Johnson. “By allowing pre-registration when they get their drivers' licenses, they will be set to vote the day they turn 18. It's a much more efficient process.”

“The right to vote is among our most fundamental rights,” Shelli Weisberg, Legislative Director of the ACLU of Michigan, said. “The Legislature should be working to remove obstacles and barriers. This bill represents a common-sense approach to encourage and expand voter participation.”

“Automatic registration will make voting more accessible and convenient for Michigan citizens, which increases the likelihood that Michiganders will participate in the electoral process,” Patricia Selby, Election Counsel and Manager of the Michigan Election Administration Program with Project Vote, said. “Democracy works best when every citizen participates.”

Under the proposal, anyone who applies for a Michigan driver's or chauffeur’s license or a state personal identification card and is a United States citizen will be automatically registered to vote. Individuals under the age of 18 would be pre-registered and become eligible upon reaching the age of majority.

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