LANSING, Mich. — A proposed constitutional amendment that would have required proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in Michigan failed to clear a key hurdle in the state House of Representatives on Thursday.
House Joint Resolution B, introduced in January, sought to tighten voting regulations by mandating documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and requiring a photo ID to cast a ballot in person. The resolution mirrored elements of the federal SAVE Act and would have placed the proposed amendment on the ballot for the next general election had it passed both chambers with a two-thirds majority.
Despite receiving support from a majority of House members, the resolution fell short of the supermajority threshold needed to proceed. The final vote tally stood at 58 in favor, 48 against, with four members not voting.
Supporters of the resolution said it would bolster election security and ensure that only U.S. citizens can participate in the democratic process. “Michigan has the opportunity to lead the nation in protecting the integrity of our elections,” one proponent stated during floor debate.
Opponents, however, criticized the measure as a solution in search of a problem, arguing that non-citizen voting is extremely rare. They also cited accessibility concerns, pointing out that an estimated 9% of Americans may lack immediate access to documents like a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers.
“It would disproportionately impact marginalized communities, rural voters, and the elderly—people who may face significant barriers in obtaining documentation,” said one lawmaker opposed to the resolution.
Though the House moved to reconsider the vote, that motion was postponed, and no further action will be taken until the legislature reconvenes next week.
This measure is the latest in a series of voting-related proposals introduced in state legislatures across the country, as debates continue over how to balance election security with voter access.
6 News will continue to follow developments as they unfold in Lansing.
