I know what you’re already thinking – it’s not even October yet, why do I need to worry about my voter registration right now? I’ll handle it later.

Well, in honor of National Voter Registration Day (September 17), and 7 weeks to Election Day, I want to give you 7 reasons why you need to check your voter registration or register to vote today.

It’s easier if you do it right now. In Michigan, 15 days before an election, eligible voters can register online, through the mail, or in-person with your clerk. That’s 3 different, but easy ways. Once we’re within those 15 days, only in-person registration is allowed. Go to Michigan.org/Vote to register or check your registration online.  

You may need to update your registration. There are a lot of reasons to need to register or update your registration, like if you moved recently, changed your party affiliation, or other life changes that might impact your registration. If you’re lucky enough that your polling place is your clerk’s office or a satellite office, you can register on election day. But most people’s polling places are not one of those options, so might as well get it out of the way now.

It frees you up to help register friends and family. Common Cause Michigan is part of the national nonpartisan Election Protection program, including the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline that you can call or text with any registration or voting issues. You can sign up to volunteer at net.

Because there are people trying to suppress the vote. All over the U.S. there are networks of bad actors who use bad data to try and cancel eligible voter registrations. We’re grateful for our clerks and the Secretary of State’s office that keeps our voting registrations safe, secure and clean, but it’s a good idea to check your registration now to make sure someone hasn’t accidentally canceled your voter registration.

Because if you’re not registered, you can’t vote! This is a big election year in Michigan. We’re voting for U.S. Senate, Congressional races, and for our state representatives. And of course, for President too. All of these races impact us, our families, and our neighborhoods for generations. The decisions elected leaders make in Lansing and Washington impact everything from the roads and bridges we drive to the quality of schools and jobs in our communities.  This is your chance to have your voice heard, and every voice matters.  

You just started at university or college, and you want to vote there instead. As a college student, the decisions our leaders make will impact your future now and when you graduate. Will there be good paying jobs available? Affordable housing? A sustainable environment? Your vote will impact all of these issues and more.

Life happens and you don’t want to miss out. As the saying goes, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” We all experience unexpected turn of events, from a sick family member to a flat tire on the way to the polls. Make sure you make your voice heard by voting early and crossing one more thing off your to-do list. This year there are more options than ever, you can vote by absentee ballot or in person at an early voting site.

Common Cause Michigan and our democracy partners want to make sure you register to vote, and then vote to continue to make our democracy strong. Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE if you run into issues to get nonpartisan help this election.