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 Coalición de Acceso al Voto para Todos (VAAC), Liga de Mujeres Votantes, michigan unido, Votantes, no políticos, Causa común, Un amor 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.

En Míchigan, 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.

Intervenciones del público en los comentarios

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.

Comunidades adicionales

Se están llevando a cabo esfuerzos de organización en varias comunidades, entre ellas:

• Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Oakland
• Ayuntamiento de East Lansing
• Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Ingham
• Ayuntamiento de Kalamazoo
• Ayuntamiento de Warren
• Ayuntamiento de Sterling Heights
• Ayuntamiento de Harper Woods
• Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Genesee
• Ayuntamiento de Adrian
• Ayuntamiento de Cadillac
• Condado de Eaton
• Condado de Clinton
• Municipio de Watertown
• Ayuntamiento de Farmington Hills
• Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Cass
• Ayuntamiento de Mt. Pleasant
• Ayuntamiento de Charlevoix
• Municipio de West Bloomfield

Si tiene contactos en alguna de estas comunidades o está interesado en apoyar este trabajo:

Correo electrónico contact@votingaccessforall.org and put “Ayuda para la resolución de problemas de DPOC” 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.