Local Governments Continue Advancing Resolutions Opposing Documentary Proof of Citizenship Proposal

Local governments across Michigan are continuing to advance resolutions opposing a Michigan version of the SAVE Act, the proposed ballot initiative that would amend the Michigan Constitution to require documentary proof of citizenship to register and vote.

This week brought several developments related to the proposal. Americans for Citizen Voting held a press conference announcing plans to submit 750,000 signatures for the ballot initiative. Around the same time, a Republican township clerk resigned from office while describing the proposal as “way overkill” in an interview with The Oakland Press.

While those developments continue to unfold, communities across Michigan are moving forward with local resolutions opposing the proposal.

Detroit City Council, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, and Ypsilanti City Council have each unanimously passed resolutions opposing the proposal. The resolutions affirm support for Michigan’s current election system while raising concerns about the barriers documentary proof of citizenship requirements could create for eligible voters.

Additional votes are now scheduled in several communities.

Wayne County Board of Commissioners – March 19

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to consider a resolution on Thursday, March 19 at 10:00 am at the Guardian Building (500 Griswold, 7th floor) in Detroit.

This meeting is an important opportunity for community members to show support for protecting access to the ballot. Strong turnout helps demonstrate that voters across Wayne County care deeply about keeping elections accessible and fair.

If you are able, consider attending the meeting to show your support for the resolution and for protecting voting rights. If you know others who care about protecting access to the ballot, please consider sharing this information with them as well.

How to Participate

Attend the meeting in person
Guardian Building
500 Griswold, 7th Floor
Detroit, MI
Arrive before 10:00 am.

Speak during public comment
Anyone wishing to speak must fill out a public comment card at the meeting.
Public comment will take place after the vote on the resolution, estimated around 10:45 or 11:00 am.

Join the meeting virtually
The meeting can also be joined online via Zoom.

Register to provide public comment
Community members can sign up in advance through Mobilize to provide public comment..

Submit comments by email
Emailed comments sent to pfordham@waynecountymi.gov will be read into the record by the commission clerk. Please include your name with your comment.

Community members are encouraged to contact members of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners ahead of the vote and ask them to support the resolution opposing the proposal.

Wayne County Commissioners

Additional Upcoming Votes

⇨ Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners
Tuesday, March 17 at 6:30 pm
201 W Kalamazoo Ave, 2nd Floor Kalamazoo, MI 49007

To submit written testimony, email Chair Jen Strebs at
jen.strebs@kalcounty.gov

To participate in public comment, arrive before 6:30 pm and sign up to speak.

⇨ Pontiac City Council
Tuesday, March 24 at 6:00 pm
47450 Woodward Ave, 2nd Floor, Pontiac, MI 48342

Email comments:
ccouncil@pontiac.mi.us

To speak during public comment, arrive before 6:00 pm and sign the public comment clipboard.

Additional Local Updates

Planning and organizing around similar resolutions is underway in several other communities across Michigan, including:

⦿ Ingham County
⦿ Lansing City Council
⦿ East Lansing City Council
⦿ Genesee County
⦿ Flint City Council
⦿ Southfield City Council
⦿ Warren City Council
⦿ Harper Woods City Council
⦿ Adrian City Council
⦿ Houghton County

VAAC is proud to be part of this coalition and will continue sharing updates as additional communities consider similar resolutions in the coming weeks.

The post Local Governments Continue Advancing Resolutions Opposing Documentary Proof of Citizenship Proposal appeared first on Voting Access For All.