Board of State Canvassers approves 100‑word summary for citizenship and voter ID constitutional amendment

The Michigan Board of State Canvassers approved a revised 100‑word summary on April 18 for a proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by the Committee to Protect Voters’ Rights that would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and new ID checks for some voting processes.

The summary, as revised and read into the record by staff, says the amendment would require voters to verify citizenship with a birth certificate, passport or other documents when registering; eliminate the affidavit alternative for voters without photo ID; require photo ID or a driver’s‑license number or partial Social Security number to receive or vote an absentee ballot; direct the secretary of state to review voter rolls and remove noncitizens using government records; bar counting ballots from voters who do not show both citizenship documents and photo ID unless they cure within six days; and require a hardship program to pay for required documents at state expense.

Why it matters: The 100‑word summary will appear on the petition circulated to collect signatures and will shape what potential signers and, ultimately, voters see on a ballot. Supporters say the proposal aims to protect the integrity of Michigan elections; opponents say it will make voting harder for people who lack or cannot promptly obtain documentary proof of citizenship, and for groups already facing barriers such as low‑income residents, some older voters, people experiencing homelessness and returning citizens.

What the board did

Director Bridal and Bureau of Elections staff presented the draft summary and explained the office’s reading of the amendment’s requirements. Charlie Spies, an attorney with Dickinson Wright…