Local governments across Michigan continue taking action in opposition to documentary proof of citizenship requirements and in support of Michigan’s current election system.
On Tuesday evening, the Ingham County Board of Commissioners overwhelmingly passed a resolution opposing the federal SAVE Act and the proposed Michigan ballot initiative that would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote.
The resolution passed by a vote of 12-1. Commissioner Thomas Morgan sponsored the resolution. Commissioner Maiville voted against the measure, while Commissioners Schafer and Ruest were absent.
Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting, provided public comment, contacted commissioners, and helped with outreach efforts leading up to the vote.
Supporters of these local resolutions continue raising concerns that documentary proof of citizenship requirements would create barriers for eligible voters by requiring documents such as passports or birth certificates in order to register to vote.
State and federal law already prohibit non-citizens from voting. Advocates and local leaders have raised concerns that these proposals would instead create additional hurdles for eligible voters, including people who have changed their names, moved frequently, experienced housing instability, recently returned home from incarceration, or face challenges accessing required documentation.
Ingham County now joins a growing list of local governments that have passed resolutions opposing documentary proof of citizenship requirements, including:
• Wayne County Board of Commissioners
• Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners
• Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners
• Detroit City Council
• Lansing City Council
• Pontiac City Council
• Ypsilanti City Council
• Meridian Township
• Inkster City Council
• Canton Township Board
• Delta Township Board
Please take a moment to thank Commissioner Thomas Morgan for sponsoring the resolution, along with the commissioners who voted in support of it.
Sign Up to Help Pass Local Resolutions
Organizing efforts continue in communities across Michigan, and additional volunteers are needed to help connect with local leaders and support outreach efforts.
Many community members have already begun working with elected officials interested in sponsoring resolutions. To help coordinate this work, avoid duplication, and expand outreach into additional communities, organizers have created a sign-up form for supporters interested in helping advance local resolutions.
The form also includes a running list of counties, cities, and townships that have already passed resolutions.
Click here to sign up using the Google Form.
Current Action Items
Southfield City Council
Please email Council President Charles Hicks at chicks@cityofsouthfield.com and ask Southfield City Council to bring the resolution forward for a vote at its next meeting.
Southfield has an opportunity to join Pontiac, Detroit, Lansing, Inkster, and other communities that have already taken action.
Genesee County Board of Commissioners
Please email Board Chair Dale Weighill at dweighill@geneseecountymi.gov and ask the Genesee County Board of Commissioners to bring the resolution forward for a vote at its next meeting.
Genesee County has an opportunity to join Ingham, Wayne, Washtenaw, and Kalamazoo counties in taking action on this issue.
Westland City Council
Please email Council President Mike McDermott at mmcdermott@cityofwestland.com and ask Westland City Council to bring the resolution forward for a vote at its next meeting.
Westland has an opportunity to join Wayne County, Detroit, Canton Township, Inkster, and other communities that have already passed resolutions opposing documentary proof of citizenship requirements.
Community turnout, public comment, relationship-building, and direct outreach continue shaping how local leaders respond to these proposals.
When residents show up, share their experiences, and stay engaged with local government, they help build civic power and influence decisions that affect communities across Michigan.
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