Department of State looks to expand program to schools across the state
SAGINAW, Mich. – Today, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced a new program with Saginaw Public Schools to expand civics education and ensure every student has their state ID by graduation.
“I’m proud to announce a unique partnership with Saginaw Public Schools,” said Secretary Benson. “We’re launching a program to ensure that every high school student in the district will get their state ID before graduation. The reality is – leaving high school without that official driver’s license or state ID in hand presents a significant disadvantage to Saginaw’s young people. It creates a real barrier on their path to success and to achieving their goals after graduation. That ends today.”
The Secretary of State mobile office will travel to Saginaw’s high schools throughout the school year to help students secure their state ID. An official state ID is necessary for educational opportunities, employment, transportation, housing, and other components of future success following high school graduation. Students with state IDs will also be able to register or preregister to vote.
“As students, we’re already facing issues about what our education looks like, how our communities are supported, and what job opportunities we’ll have in the future,” Saginaw United High School senior Julian Morris said. “Having the chance to get our ID just means one step closer to being involved and making decisions about things that matter to us. I hope this partnership inspires all of us and lets us know that we have a right to protect our vote and to make real changes in life for all of us around.”
“On behalf of the citizens of Saginaw, this partnership is the beginning,” Saginaw Mayor Brenda Moore said. “This is a great opportunity for the young individuals, not just for work, but also to get to know how politics run. I need for people instead of them talking about what we don’t do. I need them to get involved.”
“This civic education will give the students the background to know their responsibility in teaching education,” said Dr. Charles Coleman, president of the Board of Education for Saginaw Public Schools. “It will ensure that our students will understand the importance of one of our most important rights as citizens. That is the right to vote. Having this, having a state ID, having a voter registration card, is one of the most important things to give to students.”
“This is another example of how we are removing barriers for students, and this is removing the barrier that prevents students from voting,” said Mit Foley, assistant superintendent of secondary curriculum & instruction for Saginaw Public Schools. “We just really appreciate the opportunity to bring these mobile units to our students in order to allow our students to get them their ID so they can vote.”
“The power of education. The power of telling kids how much their one vote matters,” said Eric Gordon, principal at Saginaw United High School. “Civic education will do wonders for the kids, and it will open so many doors for the future. It is a myth that one vote doesn't matter – every vote matters. You cannot talk if you do not place that vote because that vote is you talking.”
A report released by Michigan Department of State (MDOS) in June identified a significant gap between the number of young people who were active registered voters and those who cast a ballot. As a part of the Saginaw Public Schools partnership, MDOS will provide nonpartisan election information and host mock elections to make sure every eligible young voter knows their rights and options to participate in democracy. Michigan school administrators interested in hosting a mock election to teach students about the voting process can visit Michigan.gov/MockElections.
Students with a valid state ID can also preregister to vote. Starting this year, 16- and 17-year- old Michigan residents can preregister to vote under state law. Preregister online, by mail, or automatically at the Secretary of State’s office when applying for a Graduated Driver’s License. More information can be found at Michigan.gov/Preregistration.
Voting is already well underway for the Nov. 5 General Election. Michigan residents are encouraged to check their registration and know their options for casting a ballot by visiting Michigan.gov/Vote.