Michigan Citizenship Verification Measure Fails to Make Ballot

Michigan election officials deadlocked on certifying a citizen‑proof voting amendment for the November ballot after reviewing more than 700,000 signatures; the proposal fell short of the 446,198 valid signatures required, with a key 1,000‑signature sample showing 629 valid signatures needed but results landing at 626. The Board of State Canvassers, split along party lines, did not certify the measure, leaving its fate to possible court action and potentially the Michigan Supreme Court. Organizers have signaled they will appeal, setting up a legal fight with a tight timetable as ballots for military and overseas voters head out and absentee ballots become available. Supporters of Americans for Citizen Voting argued the drive surpassed required signatures, while officials described the process as sloppy and stressed the board’s mandate to verify numbers rather than subject matter. If the court does not intervene, the proposed constitutional amendment would not appear on November’s ballot. GOP figures criticized Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson while urging action to ensure noncitizens do not influence elections, highlighting ongoing partisan tensions around voting integrity.