Proposals requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote continue to advance at both the state and federal level.
These policies are being framed as election security measures, despite repeated findings that noncitizen voting is extremely rare. In practice, these proposals could create additional barriers for eligible voters who may not have immediate access to documents like passports or birth certificates.
For many people, especially voters who have recently returned home after incarceration, moved, changed their name, lost records, or face housing instability, these requirements can create confusion and make it harder to stay registered or cast a ballot.
At the same time, election workers across the country are facing growing pressure and interference. Recent actions involving election workers in Fulton County, Georgia have raised concerns about intimidation and the targeting of the people responsible for helping elections run safely and smoothly.
What #HandsOffMIVote Is About
The #HandsOffMIVote Open Letter is a public statement from Michigan voters, community members, and organizations calling for voting access to remain fair, accessible, and easy to navigate.
The letter opposes efforts that would create new barriers for eligible voters and calls for continued support for election workers and local election administration.
The open letter specifically calls on leaders to:
- Oppose proposals that would require additional paperwork or documentary proof of citizenship requirements for eligible voters
- Oppose efforts that interfere with access to voting in state and local elections
- Support election workers and local election officials who help elections function safely and accurately
Michigan voters have already expanded access to early voting, absentee voting, and same-day registration. Organizers behind #HandsOffMIVote say these newer proposals risk creating additional confusion and barriers for voters who are already eligible to participate.
Sign the Open Letter
Add your name and stand with Michigan voters defending access to voting, supporting election workers, and pushing back against efforts to restrict participation.
HandsOffMIVote Open Letter
| Voting should be simple. We are speaking up to keep it that way. We are voters in Michigan. We are paying attention. And we are raising our voices because there are growing efforts to make voting more complicated for everyday people. Across the country and here in Michigan, there are efforts to make voting more complicated by adding more paperwork, more confusion, and more barriers for people who are already eligible to vote. These kinds of changes may sound small, but for many people, they create real barriers. They can make it harder to stay registered. And for many people, they can be the difference between voting and being shut out. Michigan voters have already made it clear: we believe in making voting more accessible, not less. We have expanded early voting, same day registration, and absentee access. Now, that progress is at risk. We are concerned about multiple efforts, both statewide and nationwide, that would roll back that progress by adding unnecessary requirements and confusion. For many people, especially those who have moved, changed their name, lost documents, or do not have easy access to records, these added steps are not simple. They are barriers. They can be the difference between voting and not voting. #HandsOffMIVote is a commitment to protecting access to voting and pushing back against efforts to make it harder for eligible voters to participate. As Michiganders, we are speaking up about proposals that would add unnecessary paperwork and red tape for voters who are already eligible to vote. These “show your papers” policies could make it harder for people to stay registered and cast their ballot. Michigan voters have already made it easier to vote by expanding access to absentee voting, same-day registration, and early voting. Now, there are efforts that could roll back that progress by creating confusion and new barriers. This moment calls on all of us, voters, community members, and leaders to stand together and protect our right to vote for ourselves, our families, and our communities. Hands Off Our Vote. We are calling on leaders at every level to protect access to voting and ensure that the process remains fair, accessible, and easy to navigate, which means: 1. Opposing efforts like HB 4765 and similar proposals that would create new barriers to voting by requiring additional paperwork to prove eligibility. |
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