1 tip to change the outcome of elections | Editorial

If you're reading this, you're probably planning to vote in Tuesday's presidential primary. Or maybe you already have — absentee ballots, available to all Michigan voters since 2020, were mailed on Jan. 18, and early in-person voting started Feb. 17.

You're here, after all. We haven't seen a Venn diagram that matches "Freep readers, especially the opinion section" with "regular voters," but we imagine it looks a lot like a circle.

Today, loyal readers, we're using you to get to your friends.

We know that the strongest encouragement to vote comes from people you know. So, in 2018, we told you about something called the 10-5-1 pledge — email or text at least 10 people you think aren't planning to vote in the primary and ask each of them to come to the polls. Follow up with 5 of those people with phone calls, texts, or personal conversations, and drive or escort at least 1 to vote or at least exchange selfies from outside your respective polling places. (The legality of ballot selfies is up in the air, so we're advising you to steer clear.)

It worked. Turnout for the August 2018 primary was a record 27% of the voting-age population, about 8 percentage points above the average for an off-presidential year — historically, less than 20%. Freep readers and their friends showed up.

We're asking you to do it again.

Voting in primaries is especially important in August when important races are decided in legislative districts dominated by just one party, but few vote.

It's easy to dismiss a presidential primary — particularly this presidential primary — as a fait accompli. There's not much mystery about which candidate each party will nominate.

But we're kicking off this campaign now for a few reasons.

It's easier to vote than ever

In 2018, Michiganders overwhelmingly approved a ballot referendum extending no-reason absentee voting to everyone in the state and establishing nine days of early voting, along with same-day registration. Most Michiganders are registered to vote when they receive a driver's license or state-issued ID. You can check your voter registration online at the Secretary of State's Voter Information Center.

Eligible voters who are not registered can register to vote at their local clerk's office through 8 p.m. on Election Day.

To be eligible to register to vote, a person must be a Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident of your city or township for at least 30 days (when you vote); a U.S. citizen; at least 18 years of age (when you vote); not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison.

Documents acceptable for proof of residency must show the prospective voter's name and current address. Bring one of these, or a digital copy: Michigan driver’s license or state ID; current utility bill; bank statement; paycheck or government check; other government document.

Stay ready, as a voting mural on Detroit's west side advises, so you don't have to get ready.

Voting always matters

Even in a presidential primary when the outcome isn't in doubt, pundits examine voter turnout to gauge voter enthusiasm and to read the tea leaves for the November general election.

But more importantly, voting is the central act of American democracy. And it's easier to do when you're in the habit of doing it. Voting is our right and our privilege, and we ought to do it every chance we get.

You'll hear from us again

We'll be back in touch later this year when absentee ballots for the August primary become available. We'll offer endorsements, voter guides and other information to help you make up your mind. But really, we just want you to vote. Democracy works best when we're all participating.

What do I say in these emails?

So glad you asked. Here's some text you can borrow or adapt.

Dear __________:

I don't know which party's candidates you intend to vote for this November, and I'm not asking unless you really want me to know.

But I hope you'll join me in voting in the presidential primary on Tuesday, Feb. 27, and in the statewide primary on Aug. 6.

The League of Women Voters likes to say that democracy is not a spectator sport. I plan to get into the game by voting on Feb. 27, and I hope you'll join me.

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