Michigan House Approves Citizenship Proof Bill, Raising Concerns Over Voter Access

Michigan currently asks voters to present a government‑issued photo ID and to sign an affidavit attesting to citizenship. House Bill 4765 would add a step: applicants must provide documentary proof such as a birth certificate, passport, or enhanced REAL ID. If the state cannot verify citizenship, the applicant would be labeled a "federal‑only voter," allowed to vote in federal elections but not in state or local contests.

The bill passed the House with a strict party‑line vote, reflecting Republican support and Democratic opposition. State data show that almost 60 % of Michiganders do not hold a valid passport, and more than 2.2 million married women have birth certificates that list a former name. Monique Stanton of the Michigan League for Public Policy said the legislation, while framed as a safeguard against voter fraud, actually aims to keep eligible citizens from the polls.

If enacted, the requirement could create financial and logistical barriers, particularly for low‑income residents and those who have changed their name through marriage. The state estimates that upgrading driver’s licenses to meet REAL ID standards could cost Michiganders roughly $150 million in fees. Voter‑rights groups argue the bill addresses a nearly nonexistent problem, citing a 2024 review that found only 15 potential non‑citizen votes among 5.7 million ballots.