Ann Arbor Times

State Representative Jason Woolford has introduced new legislation requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration. This move follows the Michigan House of Representatives' recent vote on House Joint Resolution B, which sought to amend the state constitution to include photo ID and proof of citizenship requirements for voting. The resolution did not pass due to insufficient support from House Democrats.

Woolford stated, "In recent weeks, we have continually heard about more documented cases of election fraud from last year where non-citizens voted in our elections." He added that Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson acknowledged that ballots from non-citizens were counted and affected election outcomes. Woolford emphasized the need for voter ID requirements, asserting that Michigan's elections should be determined solely by its citizens.

The proposed legislation mandates that the Secretary of State registers only those individuals who provide documentation proving U.S. citizenship. Acceptable documents include a driver's license, personal identification card, birth certificate, or passport. Woolford's initiative is part of a broader effort supported by State Representatives Jay DeBoyer, Ann Bollin, Rachelle Smit, and Bryan Posthumus.

DeBoyer praised Woolford's commitment to election integrity: "Representative Woolford has been a very valuable member of our caucus since coming to Lansing this term, especially on the issue of election integrity."