State Rep. Rachelle Smit, a former election clerk, today announced her support for a proposed constitutional amendment designed to enhance the security and integrity of Michigan’s elections.

The amendment, set to be introduced in the upcoming 2025-26 legislative term by Smit and Rep. Bryan Posthumus, would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo identification to cast a ballot.

“It’s been my goal since my first day in office to safeguard our elections, and that’s what this proposed amendment would do,” said Smit, R-Martin. “Basic proof of citizenship and voter ID ensures that every person engaging in our democratic process is in fact eligible to vote.”

Smit said the case of a non-citizen who registered and voted in the 2022 election highlights the need for the amendment.

“Under our current election laws, the fraudulent vote was counted. That sort of thing ruins our citizens’ trust in the system,” Smit said. “We must update protections to ensure voter eligibility rules are upheld, and the best way to do that is by requiring proof of citizenship and ID from all voters.”

A Pew Research survey conducted in January found that 81% of respondents favor requiring people to show government-issued photo identification to vote.

Calling back to her time as an election clerk, Smit said there is a clear need for reforms to give election workers better tools to verify voter eligibility and deliver accurate results.

The amendment must receive a two-thirds majority vote in the House and Senate before being placed on the ballot for Michigan voters to decide.

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