Across the country, dangerous “show me your papers” legislation like the House’s recently passed, deceptively named Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act is on the rise. These proof of citizenship laws capitalize on anti-immigrant sentiment and perpetuate outright lies to justify restrictive practices that will make it harder for everyone to vote.

If it becomes law, millions of voters could lose access to the ballot. That includes people who don’t have a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization paperwork — documents that are expensive and can be hard to get, especially for folks reentering society or living on the edge.

As these bills gain momentum in state legislatures across the country, understanding their sweeping impact is essential to protecting our democracy. 

Even now, in Michigan, a new effort is moving to make those restrictions permanent right here at home. Voters would not only have to spend the time and money to get those legal documents, assuming the documents can be had, but would have to present those documents in person when registering.

On Monday, the Michigan Board of State Canvassers approved a summary for a proposed petition from a group calling itself the “Committee to Protect Voters’ Rights.” That petition aims to change the Michigan Constitution in ways that would make it even harder for many people to register, vote absentee, or have their ballots counted.

If this petition gets enough signatures, it could appear on the ballot. If voters approve it, it becomes part of the state constitution.

Here’s what the proposal would do:

• Require voters to show proof of citizenship — like a passport or birth certificate — just to register
• End the option to sign an affidavit if you don’t have photo ID
• Block people from voting absentee unless they submit more documentation
• Refuse to count ballots unless voters provide documents within six days of the election

That means voters without stable housing. Voters who’ve changed their name. Voters who’ve done their time and are back home without paperwork in hand. Voters who simply can’t afford the cost. People like us. People like our families.

This is not about protecting elections. It’s about keeping certain people out.

Do not sign this petition if you see it in your community.

Tell your friends and family what it really means. There’s nothing protective about making it harder to vote. We’ve seen what that looks like—and we’re not going back.

We should be building toward a democracy that encourages the political participation of all, not one that stifles the voices of millions. 

We’ll be tracking this effort closely and continuing to speak up for the communities who are always the first to be shut out.