March 4, 2025
LANSING, MI – Today, the Michigan House introduced House Joint Resolution B, which, if passed, would amend Michigan’s constitution to require that, beginning in December 2026, Michigan citizens provide a passport, certified birth certificate, or verification of their citizenship by the secretary of state when they register to vote, and a government-issued photo ID when casting a ballot. In response, All Voting is Local Action Michigan State Director Ashiya Brown released the following statement:
“By imposing restrictive and burdensome requirements, this resolution will harm voters who are less likely to have the right documents readily available. Black, Brown, rural, elderly, youth, and economically disadvantaged voters often face the greatest challenges in accessing the right documents, which will prevent them from using their voices at the ballot box. Additionally, married persons who change their names will face significant obstacles in presenting proper documentation.
“In the history of our state elections, the issue that proponents of the bill seek to address has not impacted our election outcomes. The reality is that immigrants who come to this country or reside here temporarily have no incentive to risk their legal status and livelihood by attempting to vote illegally. This legislation, a solution in search of a problem, is not based on facts or a demonstrated need – it is a politically motivated attempt to restrict the right to vote under the guise of election security.”