News Summary
Officials in Michigan announced that 15 individuals may have voted in the November 2024 presidential election despite being non-citizens. This finding, which represents only 0.0003% of the 5.7 million ballots cast, has prompted actions from the Secretary of State’s office and potential investigations. The state aims to ensure voter eligibility while protecting the rights of lawful voters.
15 Non-Citizens Allegedly Voted in Michigan’s 2024 Election
In a surprising turn of events, officials in Michigan have recently revealed that a small number of individuals may have participated in the November 2024 presidential election without being U.S. citizens. After a detailed review by the Secretary of State’s office, it has come to light that 15 individuals cast ballots despite their non-citizen status. While numbers like this might raise eyebrows, it’s worth noting that they represent a mere 0.0003% of the total 5.7 million ballots submitted in the state.
A Closer Look
The findings were made public last Thursday and shed light on an issue the state takes very seriously. Among the identified individuals was Haoxiang Gao, a student at the University of Michigan. Gao is already facing felony charges for allegedly voting illegally in October 2024. With such charges in place, this raises questions about the broader implications of non-citizen voting in Michigan.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s office has taken immediate action, referring 13 of the 15 individuals to Attorney General Dana Nessel for potential investigations and charges. Such steps highlight the seriousness with which the state is handling the findings. It’s also important to note that one of the individuals has passed away since the election, while another is reportedly under scrutiny due to other unspecified fraudulent voting activities.
Addressing the Issue Responsibly
Angela Benander, a spokesperson for Secretary Benson, referred to non-citizen voting as a serious issue. However, she underscored the importance of taking a measured approach. The goal, it seems, is to ensure that the government effectively verifies voter citizenship without creating unnecessary hurdles for lawful voters. This nuanced perspective shows that while the state is addressing the issue, they also understand the importance of protecting the voting rights of citizens.
The Review Process
The thorough review process commenced back in December, where a dedicated team of officials meticulously checked state voting records against driving records. This means that efforts are ongoing to verify the eligibility of voters and ensure the integrity of elections for future generations.
Despite the concerns raised, Secretary Benson has shown opposition to a proposal from the Michigan Republican Party that would require voters to submit proof of U.S. citizenship both at the registration phase and when casting their votes. Some lawmakers are pushing to amend the Michigan Constitution, mandating documentary proof of citizenship by December 18, 2026. If a voter’s citizenship cannot be confirmed before they vote, they would instead be required to cast a provisional ballot—one that wouldn’t count unless valid proof is provided later.
Concerns Raised
State Rep. Bryan Posthumus, who has been at the forefront of these discussions, has expressed growing concerns about the potential implications of non-citizens influencing the outcomes of elections. However, in light of the recent findings, it appears that the scale of this issue may be less significant than previously feared.
What’s Next?
The Secretary of State’s office has shared limited details regarding the individuals involved due to ongoing investigations. However, they have indicated that most applicants seeking state identification are likely to be legally present in the U.S. Michigan voters can utilize various forms of identification when voting, which adds a layer of complexity to the tracking of non-citizen voting.
Interestingly, internal communications among officials revealed a desire to clarify to the public that non-citizen voting is not widespread. They also pointed out that serious consequences exist for violations, emphasizing the need for integrity in the voting process.
Nationwide Context
This finding in Michigan aligns with similar reviews carried out by election officials in various states, like Iowa and Ohio, which also reported very few instances of non-citizen voting. The statistical data indicates that while concerns about non-citizen voting are valid, the actual occurrences remain remarkably low. This trend suggests that Michigan has strong systems in place to deter illegal voting.
In the grand scheme of things, while the issue of non-citizen voting is deserving of attention, the data indicates that the vast majority of voters in Michigan—and beyond—are fulfilling their civic duty lawfully.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WILX: 15 Non-Citizens Voted in Michigan’s November General Election
- WZZM13: Non-Citizen Voting Extremely Rare in Michigan
- Detroit News: Michigan Non-Citizens Voted in 2024 Election
- Michigan Advance: Bureau of Elections Responds to Questions on Non-Citizen Voting Safeguards
- Bridge Michigan: Fight Over Michigan Voter Citizenship Proposal
- Wikipedia: Voting Rights in the United States
- Google Search: Non-Citizen Voting in Michigan
- Google Scholar: Non-Citizen Voting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Voting
- Google News: Michigan Non-Citizen Voting
