Voter Education Resources
VOTER REGISTRATION
Students are strongly encouraged to register early, before October 21st, to avoid long voter registration lines. You can check your registration status at Michigan.gov/Vote.
- REGISTER EARLY: Register online by October 21st at Michigan.gov/Vote. You will need the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN) and your Michigan Driver’s License or ID number.
- No MI License or ID?: If you don’t have a Michigan License or ID, you can still register by submitting a printed paper application. You can print the form or contact your local clerk to request one by mail with return postage included.
- ELECTION DAY REGISTRATION: After October 21st and on Election Day, you can register in person at your local clerk’s office. Be sure to bring proof of residency. For more details, visit Michigan.gov/StudentVoting.
- Location: Fetzer Center, second floor, Room 2020.
- Operating Hours:
- October 14 – 18 (Monday-Friday): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- October 21 – 25 (Monday-Friday): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- October 28 – November 2 (Monday-Saturday): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- November 4 (Monday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- November 5 (Tuesday): 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Eligibility: The Satellite Branch Office serves only City of Kalamazoo residents.
- For more information on whether to use your home or campus address when registering, visit Michigan.gov/StudentVoting.
VOTING OPTIONS
Michigan has convenient options for casting a ballot. Students are encouraged to vote early to avoid long lines on Election Day.
- ABSENTEE VOTING (MAIL): Request an absentee ballot be delivered to your current address. You can request your absentee ballot online at Michigan.gov/Vote. Return your ballot by mail, or in a ballot drop box within the jurisdiction where you are registered. All ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
- Hand your absentee ballot to the Satellite Clerk's Office at the Fetzer Center from October 14 – 18 (Monday-Friday): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Mail it through your respective on-campus residence hall mailboxes or the one in front of the Student Center (specific location here).
- Mail it through your nearest mailbox if you're not staying on campus.
- EARLY VOTING (IN-PERSON): Michigan offers at least nine days of early in-person voting at early vote sites. Find and visit your local site at Michigan.gov/Vote. The statewide early voting period is October 26 through November 3.
- Early voting at the Fetzer Center on WMU’s campus will take place as follows:
- Location: Fetzer Center, first floor, Ballroom
- Dates: From Saturday, October 26th (Homecoming day) through Sunday, November 3rd
- Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- This early voting site is open to all Kalamazoo County residents, excluding Pavilion Township. Voters can cast their ballots and place them in a tabulator, just as you would on Election Day.
- Early voting at the Fetzer Center on WMU’s campus will take place as follows:
- ELECTION DAY VOTING: Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. Find your designated polling place at Michigan.gov/Vote.
- Election Day Voting at the Fetzer Center on WMU's campus will take place as follows:
- Location: Fetzer Center, first floor, Ballroom
- Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Election Day Voting at the Fetzer Center on WMU's campus will take place as follows:
CANDIDATES
Learn about the candidates on your ballot by using this non-partisan resource from the League of Women Voters.
BALLOT PROPOSALS
Learn about what's on your ballot by using this non-partisan resource from the League of Women Voters.
TOPICS
The Realities of Free Speech
Check out this interactive virtual presentation about free speech rights and responsibilities on campus presented by Jessica Swartz, former WMU deputy general counsel. This is a basic, “First Amendment 101” discussion. Topics covered include different types of speech, how the government (i.e., the University) is allowed to regulate that speech, and how to exercise that speech on campus. Also discussed are the types of speech that are not protected and why. Viewers will come out understanding why we must protect the free speech rights of everyone—even if every fiber in our being disagrees with what they are saying.