LANSING, Michigan — As Michigan voters weigh a proposed constitutional amendment requiring proof of citizenship to register and vote, a new analysis suggests the policy may create substantial financial costs while offering limited benefits where election security is already strong. According to reporting from News From the States, a joint study by Dēmos, Campaign Legal Center, and State Voices finds that states using such systems shoulder millions in new administrative expenses, largely borne by county and city governments.
The report examines Arizona and Kansas — the two states with the longest-running proof-of-citizenship laws — and documents extensive spending on database overhauls, staff time, voter notifications, and legal disputes. In Arizona, the state awarded a $9.4 million contract to rebuild its registration system and later created a dual-track system after a Supreme Court ruling. Kansas incurred more than $350,000 in early implementation costs and nearly $2 million in litigation, with counties absorbing additional burdens not reflected in state totals.
Supporters of the Michigan measure argue it strengthens election integrity, though election records indicate noncitizen voting is extremely rare. Michigan’s 2024 review found 15 credible cases out of more than 5.7 million ballots cast. Critics warn the proposal risks disenfranchising eligible voters — particularly newly naturalized citizens, military families, and people who struggle to retrieve underlying documents — while expanding state bureaucracy.
Analysts say any state adopting such requirements must invest heavily to prevent errors and constitutional challenges, noting that underfunded systems increase both voter disruption and government liability. The ballot initiative is currently gathering signatures for potential placement on Michigan’s 2026 ballot.
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