Citizen-only Voting Proposal Fails After Michigan Board Deadlocks
The sponsor vowed a court fight after the board split on certification, as a sample review found the petition fell short of valid signatures.
- On Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, the Michigan Board of State Canvassers deadlocked 2-2 on certifying a citizenship voting measure, blocking the proposal from the November ballot.
- The Bureau of Elections recommended against certification after a random sample of 1,000 signatures identified various problems, and the State Canvassers identified 626 valid signatures—just three short of the 629 needed.
- During a heated meeting, Board members and lawyers debated affidavit validity and handwriting analysis. Mark Brewer, lawyer for opponents, called the petition drive a "very sloppy petition drive."
- Americans for Citizen Voting vowed legal action in a statement, with Chairman Paul Jacob indicating the group will pursue the case to the Michigan Supreme Court if necessary.
- The proposed amendment would require citizenship verification and a 45-day window to contest removal from voter rolls. Shannon Abbott of Common Cause warned the measure could disenfranchise eligible voters through restrictive barriers.
43 Articles
43 Articles
Daily Journal
Citizen-only voting proposal fails after Michigan board deadlocks
(The Center Square) – A Michigan ballot proposal that would require voters to be U.S. citizens was not certified for the November ballot Monday after the Michigan Board of State Canvassers deadlocked 2-2 on whether to approve it.
Democrat canvassers vote to keep Citizens Only Voting initiative off November ballot
Lansing—Democratic members of the Michigan Board of State Canvassers voted Monday against certifying the Americans for Citizen Voting initiative, leaving the proposed constitutional amendment to require proof of citizenship off the November ballot after a contentious debate. The four-member board deadlocked 2-2, with Republican members Chair Richard Houskamp and Paul Cordes voting to certify the petition and Democratic members Vice Chair Mary El…
Michigan Advance
The Herald PalladiumBoard of State Canvassers deadlocks on citizens-only voting measure, setting up court fight
All four members of the Board of State Canvassers gather with Bureau of Elections staff to review signatures on the citizens-only ballot petition on Aug. 24, 2026. (Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance)After nearly seven hours of discussion, the Michigan Board of State Canvassers deadlocked 2-2 on a ballot measure that would enact strict voter ID laws, meaning the proposal was not certified for the November ballot. However, the measure is …
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