Ingham County Clerk urges MSU students to build lifelong voting habits

Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum addressed Michigan State University students at McDonel Hall in East Lansing on Wednesday, October 21, encouraging them to establish voting routines during their college years. Speaking as part of the Lyman Briggs Speaker Series, Byrum emphasized that early participation helps maintain lifelong community engagement ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Byrum clarified common concerns for students registering with a college address, noting that doing so does not affect financial aid or health insurance status as dependents. She explained that updating a voter registration address also updates the address on a Michigan driver's license and encouraged students to consult local election officials for specific questions rather than relying on unverified online claims.

The clerk outlined election safeguards, including public vote accuracy tests and the option for recounts after certification. Byrum also encouraged students to serve as election workers to create a more welcoming environment for peers, stating that seeing other students at polling locations makes the process less intimidating.

Read the full story at statenews.com.