Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist visits Michigan schools to encourage civic participation by Michigan high school seniors.
The general election in Michigan is an opportunity for residents to let their voices be heard throughout the democratic process.
More often than not, eligible young people choose not to vote due to apathy, a lack of understanding about how to get registered or how to vote, or a lack of engagement by government or voter registration efforts. MI First Vote will travel to Michigan high schools to ensure young voters have everything they need for a successful first vote.
Black millennials and Gen-Z voters also need to know how critical their vote is when it comes to impacting the outcome of any election—local, countywide, state or federal.
For the past 154 years, Black Americans have faced major disparities and inequalities in accessing the right to vote. As a result, Black Americans have been less informed and engaged in both local and national elections, political initiatives and major legislation.
For first-time voters and the youngest constituents in the state, ensuring that the electoral process is fair and equitable, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II is making concerted efforts by prioritizing their concerns.
Gilchrist told the Michigan Chronicle that getting young people involved with voting rights and being involved (whether voting for the first time or the millionth time) — or on the fence about voting — “being engaged is the common denominator.”
“That makes all the difference,” Gilchrist said. “I’m interested in making sure that every person in our community truly feels that they are a part of determining how those in our communities move forward. Young people own the futures of our community and [they have an] important role in shaping that.”
The 2022 midterm elections have already cast a major light on the future of this country, and with recent decisions surrounding education, healthcare, voting rights, abortion, student loans and other issues, every vote will be crucial in determining what that future looks like.
The Tufts University Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) found in a study that 50 percent of eligible voters aged 18-29 cast a ballot in the 2020 election, compared to only 39 percent of eligible youth voters in 2016. CIRCLE also estimated that 46 percent of new voters – young people ages 18-19 – voted in 2020.
Gilchrist recently kicked off MI First Vote, a three-stop initiative to emphasize the importance of participating in the democratic process and clear up misconceptions and apprehensions about voting. Gilchrist visited the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JRLA) and took part in a roundtable to discuss the importance of civic participation and what students can expect when they vote. He was joined by Jalen Rose and Civic 360, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to boosting civic participation in Michigan.
“As young Michiganders head to the ballot box for the first time this fall, it is critical to ensure they have everything they need to vote,” said Gilchrist. “Michigan’s future belongs to our young voters, and Governor Whitmer and I are committed to supporting them.”
“Your vote counts as your voice and it is paramount to be represented in your local, state and presidential elections,” said JRLA Founder Jalen Rose. “Failure to vote can no longer be an option.”
In May, Governor Whitmer signed executive directive 2022-04, instructing all state departments and agencies to identify and assess potential opportunities to help eligible Michiganders register to vote and gain access to reliable information about voting.
“Democracy For All, a program of the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund and Civic360 are excited for this great opportunity to partner with Jalen Rose Leadership Academy,” said Olu Jabari, state director of Civic 360-Democracy for All. “The voice of our youth is critical to building a strong democracy.”
Gilchrist said that young people being engaged civically means that they are broadly aware of how decisions are made and participate as voters in elections locally, at the federal level and everything in between.
Gilchrist added that it’s “fair” to say that older Michigan residents are the “more” dominant voters in the state, which inspires Michigan all the more to encourage younger residents to get out the vote.
“The more people that vote the better,” Gilchrist said. “Things happen and there is more investment … with that, this is one way for them to exercise the power they have.”
E’yandra D.A. Otis, a local community advocate and event organizer, agrees.
Otis held a summer millennial voting roundtable with the topic, “Why are we cool dying young but not voting?”
He told the Michigan Chronicle previously that voting is paramount, especially for Black representation. ”We want to keep up this momentum … and turn it into a caucus for the Democratic party,” Otis said.
Otis said that “we don’t get out,” and scores of Black voters did not get out during the August election. “A lot of people’s complaints is, ‘We only show up at election time.’ We need people to show up for our communities, not just every two to four years.”
Jeffrey L. Boney, NNPA Newswire contributor, contributed to this report.
For more information visit Michigan.gov/vote.
