LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As Republicans in Washington spar over whether to bring the federal SAVE (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) Act up for a vote, Michigan activists pushing similar election integrity measures are done waiting on Capitol Hill.
A Michigan-based ballot committee, Americans for Citizen Voting, has told Bridge Michigan it’s already gathered enough signatures for their petition to force a statewide vote on election reforms, including proof-of-citizenship requirements to register, mandatory photo ID, and regular voter roll maintenance.
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The committee’s general consultant, Kristin Combs, told the media outlet she’s confident they have enough valid voter signatures (446,196) to put the issue on the ballot in November but also added that they’ll keep collecting signatures and turn them in saying, “We’re going to finish strong.”
Polls say this isn’t controversial.
Despite the political noise, public opinion on citizenship requirements is remarkably consistent. National polling shows strong support – often north of 80% – for requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal and state elections. According to a 2025 survey from Pew Research Center, that support is an overwhelming 83%.
That includes majorities of independents and even Democrats (71%), undermining claims that such measures are “extreme” or “fringe.” Voters, it turns out, generally believe elections should be decided by citizens – a position that would have been considered unremarkable not that long ago.
Nevertheless, Michigan Democratic Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters have promised NOT to vote for the SAVE Act should it come up for a vote.
If the SAVE Act comes to the Senate floor, I will vote NO. I oppose any efforts that jeopardize Americans’ fundamental right to vote.
— Senator Gary Peters (@SenGaryPeters) April 18, 2025
Debate centers on confidence in elections vs. ballot access.
Back in Michigan, the debate centers on whether requiring proof of citizenship strengthens election confidence or creates new barriers to voting. Supporters of Michigan’s ballot initiative requiring proof of citizenship say the measure is intended to restore public confidence in elections and keep non- citizens from voting on Michigan issues. Opponents warn it could restrict access to the ballot. A representative with Voters Not Politicians told Bridge Michigan, “Plain and simple: this proposal undermines our right to vote.”
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If the proposal appears on the November ballot and is approved, Michigan voters – not lawmakers or advocacy groups – will have the final say on how elections are conducted in the state.
