Michigan launches sweepstakes with $5M in cash prizes to encourage vaccinations

Governor Whitmer receiving a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on April 6.

LANSING, Mich.—Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday announced the launch of a sweepstakes for Michiganders who are vaccinated against COVID-19.

The campaign aims to boost vaccination rates in the state and raise awareness about the vaccine’s efficacy.

“This sweepstakes gives every Michigander who’s been vaccinated a shot to win cash or college scholarships,” Whitmer said. “It’s also a great way to encourage more Michiganders to get the safe and effective vaccine so you can protect yourself, your family, and help get life back to normal. If we all roll up our sleeves and do our part, we can all win big. Let’s get to work!”

The “MI Shot To Win Sweepstakes” is a lottery-style raffle that gives vaccinated Michiganders a chance to win a combined total of $5 million in cash prizes and nearly $500,000 in college scholarships. 

Residents age 18 and older who have received one dose of vaccine are eligible to register for a combined total of $5 million in cash giveaways that are divided into one $1 million prize, 30 $50,000 prizes, and one $2 million prize.

Michiganders between the ages of 12 and 17 who are vaccinated can have their parents enter on their behalf to win one of nine scholarships.

Each scholarship prize consists of a four-year Michigan Education Trust charitable education contract. Each scholarship is valued at $55,000.

The sweepstakes starts July 1 and ends August 3, 2021.

For information on eligibility criteria, visit the sweepstakes’ website.

As of June 29, over 4.9 million Michiganders age 16 and older have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to the state health department.

Michigan is the latest state to announce a sweepstakes to boost vaccinations. Ohio was the first in the nation to announce such a campaign.

“If there’s one thing every Michigander can agree on, it’s that whatever Ohio can do, Michigan can do it better and bigger,” Whitmer said.

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