Across Michigan, this work is continuing as coordinated Public Comment Takeovers push local governments to take action on similar resolutions that have stalled. If you are able to help in these areas, your voice is needed.
Statewide Action and Coordination
This resolution is part of a coordinated effort led by a statewide documentary proof of citizenship coalition, which Voting Access for All Coalition (VAAC) is proud to be a part of, in community with All Voting is Local Michigan, Common Cause Michigan, Votantes, no políticos, VoteRiders, United Way of Southeast Michigan, Progreso Michigan, and many more.
Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Wayne, Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, Detroit City Council, and Ypsilanti City Council have also passed resolutions affirming support for Michigan’s current election system while raising concerns about the barriers documentary proof of citizenship requirements could create for eligible voters.
Where This Work Is Happening
These are among the communities where organizing is underway to advance resolutions and where Public Comment Takeovers are being used to push for action from local elected officials.
In several of these areas, residents are being asked to attend upcoming meetings, speak during public comment, and call on local governing bodies to take up resolutions opposing documentary proof of citizenship requirements.
- Condado de Ingham
- Lansing City Council
- East Lansing City Council
- Genesee County
- Flint City Council
- Southfield City Council
- Warren City Council
- Harper Woods City Council
- Adrian City Council
- Houghton County
The coalition is looking to connect with people who have relationships in these communities and want to support this work.
What Local Leaders Are Saying
Council members and the mayor voted together to oppose the initiative, citing concerns that many eligible voters would face barriers in accessing the documents required to cast a ballot.
This initiative would require voters to provide documents such as a birth certificate or passport, documents that can be costly, difficult to obtain, or may not match current legal names.
As shared in reporting, VAAC Executive Director Angela Davenport stated:
“This falls on residents who are being asked to navigate systems that were never built with them in mind.”
Council members also raised concerns about the real impact on their community, including:
- Residents who may not have access to original birth certificates
- Naturalized citizens whose documents may not match U.S. naming conventions
- Married individuals whose names differ from their birth records
- Families facing financial barriers to obtaining documents like passports
What This Means
This action by Pontiac adds to growing concern across Michigan about policies that could prevent eligible voters from participating in elections.
Current law already requires voters to attest to their citizenship when registering and voting.
Efforts like this can create new barriers for eligible voters, especially for communities already facing challenges accessing identification, stable housing, and other essential resources.
Local governments speaking out reflect growing concern about how these policies would impact real people across Michigan.
Tomar acción
➡️ Public Comment Takeovers are underway in key communities where action has been delayed. Community members are encouraged to attend, speak during public comment, and call on local governing bodies to take up resolutions opposing documentary proof of citizenship requirements.
The links below include sign-up for these events. Talking points will be provided upon sign up.
- Ingham County: Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30pm
- Board Room, Ingham County Courthouse, 315 S Jefferson St., Mason
- Email: Ingham County Board of Commissioners Chair Ryan Sebolt at rsebolt@ingham.org and ask him to bring the resolution opposing the Michigan version of the SAVE Act.
- Warren: Tuesday, April 14 at 7:00pm
- Lansing: Monday, April 20 at 7:00pm
➡️ Voting rights advocates with Voters Not Politicians are also hosting a virtual monthly update to share the latest information and ways to take action:
Hands Off MI Vote: Voters Not Politicians Monthly Update
📅 April 7, 2026
🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
💻 Virtual – Register now: https://www.mobilize.us/vnp/event/922798/
➡️ Pontiac City Council was the first Oakland County municipality to pass the resolution. Please take a moment to send a message thanking the councilmembers for taking this important stand.
➡️ Now that Oakland County communities are starting to take action, please send a copy of the letter below to Dave Woodward, Chair of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners (woodwardd@oakgov.com), and ask him to bring the resolution up for a vote at an upcoming Oakland County Board of Commissioners meeting.
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