Michigan Representative Brian Posthumus (R) said it is important that only citizens can vote in the state's elections and announced plans to introduce an amendment to the Michigan Constitution to ensure this.
Poshumus made the announcement Wednesday during a radio interview with Mike Austin on 1320 WILS.
“Only American citizens can vote in American elections,” he said in a statement included in the press release, adding that the move is aimed at allowing Chinese foreign nationals to register and cast their votes at early voting locations in Ann Arbor. It is pointed out that this was carried out amid reports that the during the November election.
“Unfortunately, current election laws and frameworks are insufficient to protect this fundamental principle,” he said.
The action follows national news that Chinese foreigners registered and voted in Ann Arbor during the November general election. According to the Associated Press, the non-citizen is a student at the University of Michigan who is currently face Fee.
“The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office has charged (1) attempted voting by an unauthorized elector in violation of MCL 168.932a(c), and (2) perjury – false sworn statement for the purpose of securing voter registration in violation of MCL. 168.933,” according to the joint statement. statement from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savitt; dated October 30, 2024.
Posthumus hopes to address the issue in the next parliament and plans to “introduce constitutional amendments to protect and strengthen people's right to vote,” according to a press release.
“This amendment would require prospective voters to present proof of citizenship at the time of registration and a government-issued photo ID at the time of voting,” it added.
“No American should have their vote canceled by an unpatriotic citizen,” Posthumus said. saidHe stressed that this “must not be a partisan issue.”
“I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to immediately pass this constitutional amendment,” he added in a press release, along with Republican state Reps. Jay DeBoyer and Ann.・It states that Bolin and Rachel Smit will be co-proposers. law.
“All charges are mere allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty,” a joint statement from Benson and Savitt said.
“Only U.S. citizens may register and vote in elections. It is illegal to falsely state citizenship status on a registration form or ballot application. Doing so is a felony,” they continued. .
We appreciate the quick action of our clerks in this case, who took appropriate action and reported the incident to law enforcement. We would also like to thank law enforcement for their swift and thorough investigation of this incident. Anyone who attempts to vote illegally faces serious consequences, including but not limited to arrest and prosecution.
Non-citizen voting is a highly isolated and rare event. Multiple state and national surveys have found no evidence that large numbers of noncitizens are registering to vote. It is even rarer for non-citizens to actually vote. If that happens, we take it very seriously. Our elections are secure and Michigan state and local election officials are carefully following the law.
Our obligations to the law are paramount, as is our responsibility to ensure that every voter can register and vote.
They concluded with a warning. “Let's be clear about this: Voting records are public. Non-citizens who attempt to vote fraudulently in Michigan are at great risk and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
