LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A citizens-only voting initiative came up three valid signatures short of qualifying for the November ballot, and now a bipartisan committee has been formed in Lansing to find out why.

The committee will be led by Rep. Mike Harris (R-Waterford). Those joining him include Reps. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton Township), Jason Woolford (R-Howell), Bryan Posthumus (R-Rockford), Rachelle Smit (R-Martin), Mai Xiong (D-Warren) and Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens).

What happened?

Americans for Citizen Voting–Michigan submitted 709,841 signatures in March. Election officials reviewed a random sample of 1,000 signatures to determine whether the petition met the required threshold of 446,198 valid signatures statewide.

The Bureau of Elections initially determined that 612 signatures in the sample were valid. During a nearly seven-hour meeting Monday, Aug. 24, the Board of State Canvassers reviewed disputed signatures, ultimately reaching 626 valid signatures — three short of the 629 needed. The board deadlocked 2-2 on certification, and the proposal did not advance to the November ballot.

If approved, the proposed constitutional amendment would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote, require photo identification to cast a ballot and establish additional voter-roll verification requirements.

An issue that impacts both sides of the aisle

Rep. Woolford says the issue goes beyond political parties and partisan politics.

“When more than 700,000 Michiganders put their names on a petition, we have a responsibility to make sure the process is fair, transparent, and accountable,” Woolford said. “People deserve to know what happened here, and I’m looking forward to digging into the facts and getting them some answers.”

Majority Floor Leader Bryan Posthumus joined the committee as vice chair. He pointed to the large number of people who signed the petitions as reason enough to ask questions.

“When more than 700,000 Michiganders sign a petition, you don’t just shrug your shoulders and move on,” Posthumus said.

Meanwhile, Rep. Bollin, a former township clerk, said elections are built on a foundation of trust.

“The questions surrounding this process have left many people frustrated and concerned,” Bollin said. “The committee will work to gather facts, examine what happened, and provide the public with answers.”

The select committee is expected to begin its work in the coming weeks.