Michigan Proposal for Proof of Citizenship to Vote Advances

Republican-led states across the U.S. are advancing efforts to require proof of citizenship and photo identification for voter registration and balloting, with proposals gaining traction following Donald Trump's push for stricter election laws. In Michigan, a proposed constitutional amendment would require new voters to provide documents such as a birth certificate or passport to verify citizenship, while eliminating alternatives for those lacking photo IDs. Supporters argue these measures are common-sense protections for election integrity, while opponents warn they could disenfranchise eligible voters and are based on extremely rare instances of noncitizen voting. Nationally, over 20 states have considered similar bills this year, a sharp increase from previous years, despite federal efforts facing significant legal and political barriers. Critics, including voting rights groups, say the movement is fueled by baseless claims of widespread voter fraud and could harm millions of legal voters. Legal challenges are also emerging against federal executive orders seeking to impose these requirements, with debates ongoing about their constitutionality and potential impacts on voter access.