Benson encourages Michigan high school students to engage young voters as MI Vote Matters Team Captains

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today announced Michigan high school students can now apply to serve as a MI Vote Matters Team Captain for the Fall 2022 semester. The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) will accept applications for this nonpartisan program to improve youth voter registration and engagement from students, as well as educators and administrators, through July 17.

"It is more important than ever for students to understand their civic rights and set a course to be lifelong voters," said Secretary Benson. "Democracy is a team sport and empowering students to take the lead in engaging their peers helps ensure Michigan youth are informed and empowered at the polls."

As an extension of the MI Vote Matters high school voter registration challenge, the Team Captain Program is a non-partisan student-led initiative, empowering students to plan and lead voter registration efforts at their high schools. Up to two students from each school will be selected to serve as a Team Captain. Students selected to serve as Team Captains will work to achieve the following throughout the school year:

Increase voter registration among their eligible peers.

Inform fellow students of their voting rights in Michigan and options for participating in elections.

Raise awareness with their classmates about the importance of voting and civic engagement.

Selected students will receive leadership training, resources, materials and support from nonpartisan MI Vote Matters partners, including MDOS and Bureau of Elections. Team Captains will also have the opportunity to attend an educational voting and leadership workshop this summer, hosted by MDOS and Bureau of Elections. Those students achieving high rates of voter registration at their high schools will receive special recognition at an awards ceremony this fall.

Additional information, as well as the Team Captain application and nomination form, can be found at Michigan.gov/MIVoteMatters. Students and educators can also email [email protected] with questions or comments.