Local governments across Michigan continue taking action in opposition to documentary proof of citizenship requirements and in support of the state’s current election system.

On Monday evening, the Lansing City Council unanimously passed a MI Democracy Resolution opposing these requirements.

Community members showed up, stayed late into the evening, and made sure their voices were heard. The meeting went past 10:00 PM, with residents continuing to speak directly to local officials about how these proposals would affect their communities.

This outcome reflects ongoing organizing and coordination across a statewide coalition, including Voting Access for All Coalition (VAAC), League of Women Voters, Michigan United, Voters Not Politicians, Common Cause, One Love Global, MI Poder, and other partners supporting outreach, public comment, and local engagement.

Local reporting highlighted concerns from election officials about the real impact of these proposals. As reported by Fox 47, Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope, who has overseen elections for two decades, emphasized that documentary proof of citizenship requirements would create barriers for eligible voters while addressing a problem that rarely occurs.

“I can tell you the way to have a safe, secure and accurate election is to increase turnout. So I encourage everyone to get out to the polls,” Swope said.

“The number of non-citizens who vote is so minuscule, especially when you compare it to the number of people who are not going to have this documentary proof.”

You can read more here:
https://www.fox47news.com/neighborhoods/downtown-old-town-reo-town/lansing-voting-rights-resolution-sparks-debate-over-citizenship-proof-requirements

At the same time, Southfield City Council heard testimony and has referred a similar resolution to its legislative committee, with the expectation that it will return for consideration at an upcoming meeting.

What these resolutions address

These MI Democracy Resolutions respond to proposals that would require people to provide specific citizenship documents, such as a passport or birth certificate, in order to register to vote.

For many people, this means dealing with red tape like paying fees, taking time off work, traveling to government offices, or trying to track down records that may not exist or do not match their current legal name. These added costs and barriers can act as a poll tax, preventing eligible voters from registering and voting.

Michigan has made significant investments in expanding access to voting, including same-day registration, no-excuse absentee voting, and early voting. 

State and federal law already prohibit non-citizens from voting.

State and local connection

This work is happening alongside action at the state level.

In Michigan, HB 4765 has passed the House and is now in the Senate. This bill closely resembles the SAVE Act and would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote.

This bill would do the same. It would force people to navigate red tape and pay to access documents like birth certificates or passports. These added costs and barriers can act as a poll tax, and would prevent eligible Michigan voters from registering and voting.

Nearly 700,000 Michiganders do not have or cannot easily access the documents required under this proposal. Requiring them would prevent eligible voters from registering and voting.

Public Comment Takeovers

Public Comment Takeovers remain a key strategy in communities where resolutions have not yet been brought forward or passed.

Community members are organizing to attend meetings, speak during public comment, and ask local leaders to pass MI Democracy Resolutions opposing documentary proof of citizenship requirements.

Speaking from your own experience and perspective matters. Local leaders are paying attention to who shows up and what they are hearing from residents.

Additional Communities

Organizing efforts are ongoing in a number of communities, including:

• Oakland County Board of Commissioners
• East Lansing City Council
• Ingham County Board of Commissioners
• Kalamazoo City Council
• Warren City Council
• Sterling Heights City Council
• Harper Woods City Council
• Genesee County Board of Commissioners
• Adrian City Council
• Cadillac City Council
• Eaton County
• Clinton County
• Watertown Township
• Farmington Hills City Council
• Cass County Board of Commissioners
• Mt. Pleasant City Council
• Charlevoix City Council
• West Bloomfield Township

If you have connections in any of these communities or are interested in supporting this work:

Email contact@votingaccessforall.org and put “DPOC Resolution Help” in the subject line, or call 📞 248-302-4463

Local leaders are paying attention to who shows up and who speaks out. When you attend meetings, share your perspective, or connect with leaders in your community, you help shape decisions.

This is how we build civic power.