(The Center Square) – Michigan Republicans are advancing two election-related bills they say will strengthen election safeguards and ensure only eligible voters cast ballots.
This comes as debate over election oversight intensifies both nationally and in Michigan ahead of the 2026 cycle.
Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt called on the Democrat-led Senate to take up legislation passed by House Republicans this week, framing the effort as a matter of basic election integrity.
“It should be one citizen, one vote,” said Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, criticizing Democrats for what he described as inaction on the issue. “That’s common sense – an overwhelming number of Americans want these simple safeguards.”
House Bill 4765 is one of the bills passed by the Republican-led House and would require proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote and mandate identification when casting a ballot. Supporters argue the measure would prevent noncitizens from accessing Michigan’s voter rolls.
State Rep. David Martin, R-Davison, backed the legislation, calling secure elections “the backbone of our republic.”
“We have a responsibility to maintain and strengthen our voting systems so they remain reliable and secure,” Martin said. “Legislation like this helps stop potential threats before they occur and ensures that only U.S. citizens are participating in our elections.”
House Republicans also passed House Bill 4720, which would prohibit new voting systems from including components produced by companies flagged on a federal watchlist tied to national security concerns—like having ties to China.
Both bills now head to the Senate for consideration.
Republicans have pointed to several incidents to justify these updates to Michigan’s election laws.
Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini, who was recently nominated as the Republicans’ 2026 candidate for Secretary of State, raised concerns earlier this year about noncitizens being summoned for jury duty and appearing on voter rolls.
Republicans have also called for federal oversight of Michigan’s upcoming elections, citing what Nesbitt calls as ongoing issues with voter roll maintenance and election administration under Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
“Unfortunately, we have the worst secretary of state in America right here in Michigan, and we know noncitizens are finding their way onto our voter rolls, compromising the integrity of our free and fair elections,” Nesbitt said. “Senate Democrats must get their heads out of the sand and act.”
However, Democrats have consistently pushed back on such claims, maintaining that Michigan’s elections are secure and that existing safeguards are effective.
In February, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pushed back on Trump’s suggestion of federalizing elections, calling the idea unconstitutional.
“Let me be very clear: elections will continue to be run at the state level in Michigan,” Whitmer said at the time. “Any attempt by the federal government to take over Michigan elections should be seen for what it is—an attempt to take away your constitutional right to vote.”
With Republicans controlling the House and Democrats holding the Senate, the fate of the election bills remain uncertain.
