News Summary
Michigan’s Department of State conducted an extensive review revealing that noncitizen voting is exceptionally rare. Of the millions of votes cast, only 15 individuals were identified as non-U.S. citizens who participated in the 2024 General Election. This small fraction has ignited discussions on election security and potential legislative changes, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining voter access amidst calls for stricter regulations.
Exciting Update from Michigan: Noncitizen Voting Cases Found to Be Rare
In the bustling heart of Michigan, the Department of State has revealed some intriguing findings about the integrity of our elections. A recent review of voting records has concluded that cases of noncitizen voting are “extremely rare,” putting to rest fears that have been circulating around election security.
The Findings: A Closer Look
In December 2024, the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) took a deep dive into the voting records, meticulously comparing them to motor vehicle records. After analyzing over 7.9 million active driving records and more than 7.2 million registered voters, the results were fascinating. They identified only 15 individuals who appeared to be non-U.S. citizens that cast ballots in the 2024 General Election.
Of these individuals, 13 have been referred to the Michigan Attorney General for potential criminal charges. Sadly, one of the identified noncitizen voters has since passed away, and one case remains under further investigation by the MDOS Office of Investigative Services.
A Previous Case Raises Eyebrows
Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time such a situation was brought to light. Back in October 2024, a case was reported involving a Chinese national who allegedly voted illegally in Michigan. However, it’s crucial to keep this in perspective. The entire sampling represents a mere 0.00028% of the more than 5.7 million votes cast in the state during the presidential election. Talk about a tiny fraction!
Putting It All Together
The MDOS has committed to an ongoing review process to actively seek out potential cases of noncitizens who might be improperly registered to vote. This initiative aims to ensure that any ineligible records can be effectively canceled, adhering to the National Voter Registration Act.
As a focal point in this conversation, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson stated that the approach to tackling voting violations should be careful and precise. She highlighted that while it’s important to consider election law violations, the tiny percentage of noncitizen voting identified does not warrant harsh regulations that might disenfranchise eligible voters.
The Political Landscape
The findings have ignited fierce debates in the Michigan Capitol regarding election security. Some state House Republicans are using this information as an opportunity to advocate for stricter voting laws. These new laws would require that voters provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when filling out registration forms. However, Secretary Benson stands against these proposals, promoting the idea of maintaining access to voting while also enhancing security through data-driven strategies.
A Comprehensive Review
This review by MDOS is considered the most thorough investigation into noncitizen voting in Michigan in years. It involved a significant amount of manpower dedicated to validating the findings. Moreover, it’s noteworthy that similar investigations in places like Iowa and Ohio have yielded low instances of noncitizen voting, suggesting that Michigan isn’t alone in these discoveries.
What Does This Mean Moving Forward?
The implications of the MDOS review have the potential to impact ongoing voting legislation and the public’s confidence in election integrity. As discussions unfold, it’s clear that there are differing views among lawmakers about how best to move forward.
As residents of Michigan keep their eyes on the evolving situation, it’s evident that balancing election security with access to voting will be a central theme in the months ahead. With the 2024 elections now a pivotal point in focus, many are left wondering about what this all means for the future of voting in our great state.
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