LANSING, Mich. — A conservative election integrity group says it has gathered enough signatures to place a proposed constitutional amendment on Michigan’s 2026 general election ballot that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to vote and mandate photo identification for in-person voting.
The proposal, advanced by the group Secure MI Vote, would amend the Michigan Constitution to explicitly require voters to present government-issued photo identification and provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote. Organizers say they have collected more than the required number of valid signatures and plan to submit petitions to the state in the coming weeks.
Under Michigan law, ballot initiatives proposing constitutional amendments must collect signatures equal to at least 10% of the votes cast for governor in the most recent election — roughly 446,000 valid signatures.
What the Proposal Would Do
If approved by voters, the amendment would:
- Require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote
- Mandate photo identification for in-person voting
- Allow voters without ID to cast provisional ballots that would be counted only after eligibility is verified
Supporters argue the changes would strengthen election security and public confidence in the voting process. They point to national concerns about election integrity and say Michigan’s constitution should clearly define voter eligibility requirements.
Existing Michigan Law
Michigan already requires voters to attest to their citizenship when registering and to show photo ID at the polls, though voters without ID may currently sign an affidavit affirming their identity and still cast a regular ballot.
Opponents argue the proposal could restrict access to the ballot, particularly for elderly voters, low-income residents, and those who lack ready access to citizenship documents. Voting rights groups also warn that the amendment could conflict with federal voting protections and invite legal challenges.
Political Context
The initiative emerges amid ongoing national debate over election rules, voter access, and election administration — issues that remain politically charged following the 2020 and 2022 election cycles.
Michigan has been a focal point in these debates, with lawmakers and courts repeatedly addressing changes to absentee voting, drop boxes, early voting, and election oversight.
The Michigan Bureau of Elections will review submitted signatures for validity. If enough are certified, the measure would appear on the November 2026 ballot, where it would need a simple majority to pass.
What Happens Next
- Signature verification by state election officials
- Possible legal challenges before ballot placement
- Campaigning by both supporters and opponents ahead of 2026
As with previous ballot initiatives, the proposal is expected to draw significant attention — and spending — from national advocacy groups on both sides of the issue.
Election Desk will continue tracking developments as the signature review process moves forward and as legal and political challenges take shape.
Election Desk 
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