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RIVER ROUGE – On Tuesday, October 17, 2022, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II continued the MI First Vote, an initiative to emphasize the importance of participating in the democratic process and clear up misconceptions and apprehensions about voting, with a visit to River Rouge High School alongside Tarence Wheeler. On Friday and Saturday, Lt. Governor Gilchrist kicked off MI First Vote with stops at the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit and Southfield Arts and Technical High School in Southfield, where he was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris.

"As young Michiganders head to the ballot box for the first time this fall, it is critical to ensure that they understand the importance of voting and how to do so," Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. "I was proud to continue MI First Vote and connect with the senior class about the importance of staying engaged and making your voice heard. Michigan's future belongs to our young voters, and Governor Whitmer and I are committed to supporting them."

"Active and engaged young voters are essential to a healthy democracy," said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. "Your vote is your voice, and I urge every eligible high school student to make sure you are registered, informed and prepared to exercise your rights at the ballot box."

"Voting is an indispensable act of civic participation through which young people subscribe to democracy," said Tarence Wheeler, founder and CEO of the Tarence Wheeler Foundation.

Rouge students in 10th through 12th grade participated in a forum with Lt. Govenor. Gilcrest. Student council president and vice president moderated the forum. Gilcrest took questions from the students such as 'how did you feel the first time you voted" to 'what do you want to accomplish if you are reelected in November."

Lt. Gov. Gilcrest stessed that the students have the power to change their community and that begins with them voting in every election.

"Democracy For All, a program of the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund and Civic360, is excited for this great opportunity," said Olu Jabari, State Director of Civic360-Democracy for All. "The voice of our youth is critical to building a strong democracy."

Lt. Govenor Garlin Gilchrist shared the stage with student council members Guadalupe Lara and Christian Ward Lewis who served as moderators for the event

The Tufts University Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) found in a study that 50% of eligible voters aged 18-29 cast a ballot in the 2020 election, compared to only 39% of eligible youth voters in 2016. CIRCLE also estimated that 46% of new voters – young people ages 18-19 – voted in 2020.

Often, eligible young people choose not to vote due to apathy, a lack of understanding about how to get registered or how to vote, or lack of engagement by government or voter registration efforts. MI First Vote will travel to Michigan high schools to ensure young voters are prepared for a successful first vote.

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.