BIG RAPIDS, Mich. -- A friendly competition is underway between students at Ferris State, Grand Valley State and Wayne State to see which university can get the most student voter registrations before early voting begins in Michigan.
The winner will be announced after Oct. 21. That is the deadline for registering to vote online or by mail for the Nov. 5 general election.
They also are competing to see which school can produce the most absentee ballot requests. The state's in-person early voting period for the presidential election begins October 26 and runs through Nov. 3.
Under a law passed in 2022, Michigan requires at least nine days of early voting for statewide and federal elections.
You can go to your city or township clerk's office to fill out an absentee ballot, which is available 40 days prior to every election.
Ferris State posted more information in a news release:
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on Thursday announced the 2024 Campus Voter Registration Challenge, pitting state universities against their conference rivals.
“I’m excited to announce the 2024 Campus Voter Registration Challenge – a friendly, nonpartisan competition between state campus rivals to see who can register the most eligible students to vote and request their absentee ballots for the Presidential Election,” Benson said. “Get registered now and let the games begin! Visit Michigan.gov/StudentVoting to learn more and get registered today. And don’t forget to vote!”
Ferris State, Grand Valley State, and Wayne State University are competing as members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
“I encourage you here, as Bulldogs, to ensure that our students at Ferris State are focused on what it means to have our voice heard,” Ferris State President Bill Pink said. “We want to make sure you are thinking about how you participate in this democracy.”
This video link highlights Ferris State President Bill Pink’s message about voter registration: https://youtu.be/g_Cszk1s4EI
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