Michigan Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie responded Tuesday to House Bill 4765, which was discussed by the House Elections Integrity Committee. The proposed legislation would require individuals to provide documents proving U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote.
Edevbie stated, “The vast majority of Michigan voters use the ID that they carry with them every day – a driver’s license or state ID – when they register to vote. Under this bill, that would no longer be enough; Michiganders would need more than a standard REAL ID when they register.”
He added, “At least five million of Michigan’s registered voters don’t have an enhanced REAL ID. Under this bill, Michiganders would be on the hook for about $150 million in additional government fees to upgrade their IDs just to continue what they are able to do right now – use their driver’s license to register and to vote.”
Edevbie concluded, “No eligible citizen should have to pay extra fees to exercise their constitutional voting rights. Michiganders deserve to have the facts. This bill is not about voter ID; it’s a way to stop tens of thousands of eligible Michigan voters from casting their ballot.”
The Michigan Secretary of State oversees election administration along with responsibilities such as driver licensing and vehicle registration, providing services through branch offices across the state as detailed on its official website. The office manages motor vehicle operations and supports elections throughout Michigan.
