State Rep. Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay Township) today released the following statement after the Michigan Board of State Canvassers denied a state constitutional amendment that would require Michigan voters to prove they are U.S. citizens from appearing on the November ballot

The denial comes after Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently announced charges against five non-citizens for election crimes in 2024. Last April, a review from Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson found that 15 individuals who weren’t U.S. citizens voted under her watch in the 2024 presidential election:

“It’s a sad state of affairs that the Board of State Canvassers can’t even determine exactly how many of the signatures in their supposedly random sampling were not valid. The number has changed multiple times. It was a few dozen short of the threshold. Then it was three short. Nobody seems to know for sure. It’s a very questionable process that erodes trust for many.

“Here are the facts: a majority of signatures within the board’s sample were valid. The number of signatures submitted in total went above and beyond what was required. People have been loud and clear that non-citizens voting in our elections is an issue that should be decided on – not one that should be stifled time and again by bureaucratic games.

“Instead, thanks to the Bureau of Elections’ extreme push to deny the petition and this absolute joke of a process that’s played out with the Board of Canvassers, what residents seemingly will get is more of the status quo. More bland assurances that our elections process is fine. More diligent reports that non-citizens had votes count against those who voted freely and fairly. More non-citizens charged for casting votes. What a travesty and injustice for people who expect and deserve a fair process.”