The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) automatically registers eligible people to vote if they apply for or renew a state ID or license as of 2019. Now voters can opt out of registration if they choose.
In 2018, Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment to automatically register those applying for a state ID and drivers license. Now they will also receive mail notifying them of the registration. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for preregistration or registration.
The new changes add an option to opt out by mail with a pre-stamped, pre-addressed envelope from the MDOS. Voters can also send a written request to their city or township clerk to cancel their registration.
Additional headlines from Monday, June 1, 2026
Detroit Community Conversation
The City of Detroit is hosting a community conversation to improve access to services for people who are deaf, blind or hard of hearing. The “Building Barriers & Building Bridges” event will focus on improving access and inclusion in the city.
Presenters include Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, the Ombudsman for the City of Detroit; Jade E. Matthis, the Director of Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity; and Christopher Samp, the Director of the Office of Disability Affairs.
The event takes place Tuesday, June 2 from 5-7 p.m. at the Wayne County Community College District NW Campus. That’s 8200 W. Outer Drive, Detroit, Michigan.
An American Sign Language Interpreter will be available. Light refreshments will be served.
Men’s mental health with the Michigan Chronicle
The Michigan Chronicle is hosting an event on mental health for Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. The Safe Space: How to Support Black Men’s Mental Health panel will feature Black community leaders. Practitioners will also share resources and lead a guided meditation. Joseph Williams, Head of Content at Word in Black, will moderate the event.
Speakers include Dr. Jason Phillips, a therapist and life coach; Brian Sims, a healthcare entrepreneur and community organizer; and Senbi Akau Spruill, a meditation leader. The event will be held virtually on June 3 from 6-7:15 p.m.
Homeownership classes
Gesher Human Services is hosting free homeownership classes next week. It’s part of National Homeownership Month. The Homeownership Empowerment Week is a series of classes from June 8-12 to guide potential and current homeowners on purchasing and managing homeownership.
The first class is in person at the Gesher headquarters building at 29699 Southfield Road in Southfield, Michigan. People can sign up for a 30 minute slot to get a free credit report with a financial education counselor between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The rest of the classes will be held on Zoom between June 9-12 at noon.
Detroit has a 54% homeownership rate, which is 9% less than the national average. Gesher Financial Education Manager Laltsha Cunnigham says June is a great time to access homeowner resources. She says the courses are aimed to quote, “make home ownership a reality for more families.”
The City of Detroit offers up to $25,000 in down payment for pre-paid or closing cost assistance when people purchase a home through $9 million in funds from the Community Development Block Grant and the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief.
Gesher courses will cover debt management, the path to ownership, and what to do if homeowners default on their mortgage. Classes will be taught by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certified homebuyer education counselors.
To register, visit geshermi.org/events or call 248-233-4299.
Editor’s note: Corrections were made on the timeline of automatic registration, the mandated notification of automatic registration and opt-out process but are not reflected in the broadcast version of this podcast. We apologize for the error.