Local governments across Michigan continue taking action in opposition to documentary proof of citizenship requirements and in support of the state\u2019s current election system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Monday evening, the Lansing City Council unanimously passed a MI Democracy Resolution<\/strong> opposing these requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This outcome reflects ongoing organizing and coordination across a statewide coalition, including Coalici\u00f3n de Acceso al Voto para Todos (VAAC)<\/strong>, Liga de Mujeres Votantes<\/a><\/strong>, michigan unido<\/a><\/strong>, Votantes, no pol\u00edticos<\/a><\/strong>, Causa com\u00fan<\/a><\/strong>, Un amor global<\/strong>,<\/a> MI Poder<\/a><\/strong>, and other partners supporting outreach, public comment, and local engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Local reporting highlighted concerns from election officials about the real impact of these proposals. As reported by Fox 47<\/a>, Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope<\/strong><\/a>, 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI 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,\u201d Swope said.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can read more here: At the same time, Southfield City Council heard testimony and has referred a similar resolution to its legislative committee<\/strong>, with the expectation that it will return for consideration at an upcoming meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many people, this means dealing with red tape<\/strong> 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<\/strong>, preventing eligible voters from registering and voting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Michigan has made significant investments in expanding access to voting, including same-day registration, no-excuse absentee voting, and early voting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n State and federal law already prohibit non-citizens from voting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This work is happening alongside action at the state level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/www.fox47news.com\/neighborhoods\/downtown-old-town-reo-town\/lansing-voting-rights-resolution-sparks-debate-over-citizenship-proof-requirements<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat these resolutions address<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
State and local connection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n