Michigan Election Law Mandates Citizenship Attestation for Voters Amidst Ongoing Debate on Documentary Proof

A recent social media post by "Libs of TikTok" has drawn attention to Michigan's voter registration process, claiming it is "insane" how easily non-citizens can vote by simply checking a box without requiring proof of citizenship. This assertion, shared via a tweet, has sparked renewed discussion about the state's election integrity measures and the ongoing legislative push for stricter voter identification.Michigan law unequivocally requires individuals to be United States citizens to register and vote, a declaration made under penalty of perjury on voter registration forms and ballot applications. Federal law also mandates this attestation, making it illegal to provide false information, with potential penalties including prison time, fines, and deportation. The Michigan Secretary of State's office emphasizes that its computerized system for driver's licenses and state IDs actively prevents non-citizens from registering to vote if they provide non-citizen documentation.While Michigan does not currently require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration, the process involves more than a mere unchecked box. Applicants attest to their citizenship, and the state conducts multiple checks to identify and correct any accidental registrations. This system relies on the legal consequences for false statements as a deterrent against non-citizen voting.The issue of requiring documentary proof of citizenship has become a focal point of legislative debate in Michigan. State Representative Bryan Posthumus introduced House Joint Resolution B, which aimed to amend the state constitution to require such proof. Proponents argue this measure would close a "massive loophole" and enhance election security, while opponents, including Democrats, contend it would disenfranchise eligible citizens by creating unnecessary barriers to voting. The resolution failed its initial House vote but efforts continue through a citizen petition drive by the group "Prove It, Michigan."Despite concerns, officials and experts maintain that non-citizen voting is exceedingly rare. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson reported that a review found 15 potential non-citizen votes in the 2024 general election, representing approximately 0.00028% of all ballots cast. One high-profile case involves Haoxiang Gao, a University of Michigan student from China, who is facing felony charges for allegedly registering and voting as a non-citizen. Election officials and political scientists generally agree that intentional non-citizen voting is uncommon due to severe legal repercussions.The debate in Michigan mirrors a national conversation, with several other states like Arizona, New Hampshire, Wyoming, and Louisiana having implemented or considering documentary proof of citizenship requirements. Critics of such measures, including voting rights advocates, warn that they disproportionately affect eligible voters who may lack easy access to birth certificates or passports, such as students, low-income individuals, or those who have changed their names.