Record Voter Turnout at University of Michigan Campus Hubs Surpasses Previous Elections
In an unexpected twist, more individuals registered and voted in person at the University of Michigan’s campus voting hubs during this year’s midterm elections than in the previous presidential race. This notable increase in voter engagement at the U-M Museum of Art on Central Campus and the Duderstadt Center Gallery on North Campus highlights a growing trend in civic participation among students.
Overall, voter registration at these hubs rose by 7%, while in-person voting surged nearly 19% compared to the 2024 election. A total of 12,459 voters participated, including 11,170 who voted in person and another 1,289 who submitted absentee ballots. This contrasts with the 14,932 voters from two years prior, a period when absentee voting was significantly higher.
On Election Day, the voting hubs saw a significant influx of same-day registrations, with 2,641 people both registering and voting—a figure more than double that of the previous election. “We anticipated higher than typical turnout for a midterm because Michigan is a swing state and had a high-profile senate race this year,” noted John Barry Ryan, who directs UMICH Votes.
Ryan further explained that careful planning with city and campus partners facilitated the accommodation of this heightened voter turnout. This preparation proved beneficial, as turnout numbers exceeded expectations.
The success of these hubs is partly due to the efforts of UMICH Votes, a nonpartisan coalition that collaborates with university units and student organizations to educate students about voting logistics. The Creative Campus Voting Project (CCVP), a non-partisan initiative from the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design, played a crucial role in establishing and designing the voting spaces.
According to Hannah Smotrich, professor of art and design, witnessing students engage with the voting process was profoundly rewarding. She emphasized the importance of making voters feel accomplished and joyful upon casting their votes.
The collaboration between the city clerk’s office and UMMA led to the establishment of a satellite clerk’s office at the museum during the 2020 presidential election, with a second site at the Duderstadt Gallery added in 2022. This year, both locations functioned smoothly, reducing average wait times significantly compared to previous elections.
Ann Arbor City Clerk Jacqueline Beaudry acknowledged the increased voter registration on Election Day, which was more than double previous years. She credited the readiness and collaboration with UMICH Votes for this successful outcome and celebrated the participation of many first-time voters.
The campus hubs commenced early voting on October 21 and were responsible for 44% of early voting in Ann Arbor, showing an increase from the 39% recorded in 2024. The UMICH Votes Coalition includes partners such as the Ginsberg Center, the Office of the Vice President for Government Relations, the Office of the Provost, and several student groups.
