LANSING, Michigan – A group has submitted language to the Michigan Board of Canvassers for a ballot initiative that would amend the state constitution to ensure only American citizens can vote in all state and local elections.
Americans for Citizen Voting – Michigan submitted the language April 30. It also would require proof of citizenship to resister as well as a government-issued photo identification to vote.
According to a January survey of likely 2026 Michigan voters, a state constitutional amendment to ensure only American citizens can vote in state and local elections has 82 percent support. When asked if only U.S. citizens should vote in Michigan elections, that number increases to 87 percent.
In addition, 84 percent of those surveyed said they support proof of U.S. citizenship being shown when voting.
Last year, a Chinese citizen studying at the University of Michigan allegedly cast a ballot in the election. He was charged with voter fraud and perjury.
“The Chinese student who voted in last year’s election is facing prison time, a fine and deportation because of the confusion that surrounds this issue,” said Kurt O’Keefe, treasurer of the ballot committee. “Michigan needs the clarity that comes with the Citizen Only Voting Amendment.”
According to the ballot language submitted to the Board of Canvassers, the initiative would provide that only U.S. citizens are eligible voters in all state and local Michigan elections, require documentary proof of citizenship for new voter registrations while mandating that the Secretary of State verify citizenship of existing registered voters and follow a legal process to remove non-citizens from state voter rolls. It also would require a photo ID to cast a ballot in person or listing a driver’s license or state ID number to vote absentee.
The measure also would provide identification documents at no cost for those experiencing financial hardship.
“Michiganders know this is a critical problem and want a commonsense solution,” said Paul Jacob, chairman of Americans for Citizen Voting. “Language has been filed previously for a similar measure. We second their emotion and hope to work together, but believe our measure is a stronger amendment legally and, therefore, a stronger amendment politically. This needs to be done right.”
ACV says foreign citizens can vote in 21 cities across the country in states that haven’t passed such amendments. It also says city councils in California, Illinois, Maryland, Vermont and Washington, D.C., have allowed non-citizens to vote.
“Leaving holes in the process that easily allow non-citizens to vote disenfranchises citizens,” O’Keefe said. “We need to make sure that only U.S. citizens can vote in our elections. This initiative does the job.”
Currently, 20 state have laws to make sure only American citizens can vote in that state.
Americans for Citizen Voting has helped make sure these amendments pass in 14 states since 2018. Those states are Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Carolina and Wisconsin. Similar measures already are on the 2026 ballot in Arkansas, Kansas and South Dakota.