In Pennsylvania, many colleges and universities encourage or even require their students to register to vote in Pennsylvania before they can get their college-issued Chromebooks. They do this because just a small margin of votes can determine whom Pennsylvanians choose each presidential election. Could Hillsdale students have a similar impact by voting in Michigan? 

In 2016, Donald Trump won the state by roughly 10,000 votes. Muskegon and Marquette counties went blue in that election by fewer than 1,400 votes. Hillsdale students could eliminate such a margin in one of these counties this upcoming election, giving more flexibility to account for voters who may not vote this November or former Trump voters that vote for Vice President Kamala Harris. This year, polls are showing that Michigan’s 15 electoral college votes are once again going to be decided by a few thousand votes. Michigan has been named one of the crucial swing states by most political pundits, making it a must-win for a candidate seeking the White House.

The University of Michigan and Michigan State University fund faculty-led coalitions to register resident and non-resident students to vote in the state. So can Hillsdale College students also register to vote in Michigan? Michigan law requires a person to live in Michigan for at least 30 days before the election in order to vote here. Of course, we pay Michigan sales tax (income tax too, if you have a job here), use Michigan roads, and abide by Michigan laws. Students should and do have a legitimate voice in determining the path this state chooses to take. 

Hillsdale students not only can but should register to vote in Michigan. As young people soon to enter the workforce and start families, we would be hit hardest by the disastrous results of a Harris presidency, whether that be getting drafted into war or not being able to afford our first home because of the inflation-raising government spending. We, if anyone, should be the most passionate about making sure our votes count. 

Voters from Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin will play an important role in voicing our generation’s concerns on their ballots this November. If you are not from one of these states, changing your voter registration to Michigan will give you a significant voice this November. You can do this by filling out a form online or mailing one to the city clerk. In addition to mail-in voting, Hillsdale voters have nine days of early, in-person voting at the courthouse in town or can vote on election day at the city library. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it will have a significant legacy.