Americans for Citizen Voting Submits 750,000 Petition Signatures

Set to Place Citizen-Only Voting, Voter ID on Michigan Ballot

March 4, 2026

LANSING, MI - Americans for Citizen Voting today announced at a press conference in Lansing the submission of more than 750,000 petition signatures in support of a statewide ballot initiative to require that only American citizens vote in Michigan elections, mandate photo identification to cast a ballot, and implement a systematic review of Michigan’s Qualified Voter File. The submission far exceeds the 446,198 valid signatures required under Michigan law.

The signatures, collected from every county across the state of Michigan, represent an overwhelming, bipartisan show of support for election integrity and voter confidence. From the Upper Peninsula to Southeast Michigan, voters across the political spectrum signed on to support clear, enforceable election standards.

“More than seven hundred and fifty thousand Michiganders made their voices heard,” said Paul Jacob, Chair of Americans for Citizen Voting. “They support citizen-only voting, they support photo ID, and they support maintaining a clean and accurate voter file. This campaign was driven by common sense and a shared belief that our elections are the foundation of our democracy. One citizen, one vote.”

Polling consistently shows strong bipartisan agreement on these principles, including more than 70 percent among Independents, more than 80 percent among Republicans, and more Democrats than not, reinforcing that the security of our elections is not a partisan issue, but a foundational expectation widely shared by Michigan voters.

Former Michigan Secretary of State and current State Senator Ruth Johnson said the initiative reflects what voters have been asking for: “People want secure elections and clean voter rolls,” said Johnson (R-Holly). “They want to know that only eligible citizens are voting, that photo ID is required at the polls, and that the state is taking seriously its responsibility to maintain an accurate Qualified Voter File. This level of support shows that Michigan voters are paying attention and expect accountability.”

Paid circulators and thousands of volunteers gathered signatures in all 83 counties, engaging voters in cities, townships, and rural communities alike. Organizers say the geographic breadth of the petition drive underscores the depth and durability of statewide support.

Organizers have thoroughly checked to verify more than enough valid signatures to place the measure on the ballot and look forward to fair and expeditious certification from the Secretary of State office.

Rep. Ann Bollin commended the effort. “We saw noncitizens vote in Michigan in 2024 despite claims from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson that this does not happen,” said Bollin (R-Brighton). “As a former clerk, I applaud this campaign to restore integrity. I sincerely thank all of the volunteers and residents who gathered and signed petitions to help secure our elections.”

“Seven hundred and fifty thousand signatures speak volumes,” Jacob added. “We look forward to the certification process and to giving Michigan voters the opportunity to decide this issue at the ballot box.”

Rep. Rachelle Smit, also a former clerk and chair of the House Election Integrity Committee further supported the need for the initiative. “We know the public wants photo ID for voting and for only citizens to vote,” said Smit (R-Martin Twp). “Today the people of Michigan sent a very strong message with the number of signatures that have been collected to get this on the ballot. I am confident that voters in November will deliver that same message.”