Tufts University report: Michigan had nation’s largest young voter turnout increase in 2024 elections

LANSING, Mich. - Young people in Michigan voted in record numbers in 2024, marking the highest four-year increase in young voter turnout nationwide and ranking #3 in the nation for overall young voter turnout, according to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson shared the numbers to celebrate Michigan’s second annual Voter Preregistration Week Sept. 7-13.  

Turnout among Michigan’s young voters aged 18-29 jumped to 58% in 2024, up four points since 2020, the highest increase in the country. Michigan had the third-highest youth vote in the nation, behind only Minnesota (62%) and Maine (60%). Michigan also tied with Nevada for the highest turnout rate for voters aged 18-19 at 55%, behind Minnesota (60%) and Iowa (56%). Nationally, the 2024 turnout rate for 18–29-year-olds was 47%, lower than the 50% youth turnout rate in 2020. In the 2022 midterm election, Michigan led the nation with a youth turnout rate of 37.6%. 

“Michigan’s young voters are engaged and embracing the power of their voice and vote," Secretary Benson said. "As we kick off Michigan Voter Preregistration Week, we celebrate our state’s accessible election laws that are breaking down barriers for our young citizens and making our democracy even stronger.”  

The CIRCLE Report cited Michigan’s preregistration law as a major factor in the state’s record-breaking performance. The law took effect last year, automatically preregistering 16- and 17-year-old Michigan residents to vote (unless they opt out) when they get their driver’s license or state ID at a Secretary of State office. Preregistered voters must be U.S. citizens and are automatically registered to vote when they turn 17.5.   

Young people who preregister can vote by absentee ballot or in person at an early voting site if they will be 18 years old on or before Election Day. Since January 2024, over 32,300 teens preregistered to vote in Michigan. Over 4,100 are now eligible to vote. Learn more about preregistration online.  

 All U.S. citizens living in Michigan can register to vote, update their registration online, or learn about the safe and secure ways to cast a ballot by visiting Michigan.gov/Vote.