Michigan’s top election official is looking to tighten state voting procedures after a rare case of noncitizen voting in the 2024 general election sparked political debate. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said she plans to work with lawmakers on new measures to prevent such incidents while rejecting a Republican-led effort that would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration.
Benson Calls for Targeted Reforms, Rejects GOP Plan
Benson, a Democrat, emphasized that her proposed changes would focus on specific procedural gaps rather than sweeping restrictions. She suggested new policies to track and retrieve ballots from voters who register on Election Day, though she stopped short of detailing specific measures.
“It could be provisional ballots, it could be additional verification or residency requirements in that moment,” Benson said during a press conference Thursday.
However, she dismissed a proposal from Rep. Bryan Posthumus, the Republican House majority floor leader, who is pushing for an amendment to Michigan’s constitution requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration. Benson called it an extreme response to an isolated event.
“That would be taking a chainsaw to our election system when we’re trying to address one specific, isolated circumstance,” she said.
Posthumus responded with a sharp retort. “I’ve done some pretty intricate cuts with a chainsaw before,” he told Votebeat, signaling he’s open to discussions but skeptical of Benson’s approach.
The Case That Sparked the Debate
The controversy stems from a single incident in the 2024 election involving Haoxiang Gao, a 20-year-old University of Michigan student and Chinese citizen. Gao registered and voted on the same day using his student ID and affirming his U.S. citizenship under penalty of perjury.
Ann Arbor Clerk Jackie Beaudry reported that Gao later admitted his actions to election officials and police. He now faces felony charges, underscoring the legal consequences of voting as a noncitizen.
Federal law already bars noncitizens from voting in federal elections, but states have leeway in how they verify voter eligibility. Michigan’s current system relies on applicants attesting to their citizenship, rather than providing documentation.
Federal Legislation in the Background
Michigan’s debate is playing out against the backdrop of a broader national discussion. The federal SAVE Act, currently pending in Congress, would mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration nationwide.
Benson has criticized the measure, arguing that it would create unnecessary barriers for eligible voters. “The existing system has worked for years with only rare incidents,” she said, adding that increased education and procedural tweaks would be a more balanced response.
Republicans counter that a single case is enough to justify tougher laws. “I don’t see a scenario where you can effectively prevent foreign nationals from voting in our elections without requiring proof of citizenship or some other verification,” Posthumus said.
What’s Next for Michigan’s Election Laws?
Benson’s plan will require legislative cooperation, and it’s unclear whether Democrats and Republicans can find common ground. Key points of discussion will likely include:
- Provisional Ballots: A system that allows same-day registrants to vote but delays counting their ballots until citizenship verification is completed.
- Residency Requirements: Stricter proof of residency rules for same-day voter registration.
- Verification Process Adjustments: Enhancing how clerks confirm a registrant’s status before their ballot is processed.
While Democrats and Republicans remain at odds over proof-of-citizenship mandates, both sides acknowledge the need for some form of safeguard. How those changes take shape will likely depend on political negotiations in the coming months.
For now, Michigan’s election system remains under scrutiny, with both parties eager to influence how voter integrity measures evolve ahead of the next election cycle.
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