Thread: MI: Voters now must affirm U.S. citizenship

Voters now must affirm U.S. citizenship

Detroit Free Press
By Kathleen Grey
February 29, 2012

Michigan voters got a surprise at the polls Tuesday.


When filling out an application for a ballot, voters were asked a new question: "Are you a United States citizen? Yes or no."


Gisgie Gendreau, spokeswoman for Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, said the question was added as part of the department's continuing efforts to "ensure secure and fair elections."


Although there is a bill in the state Legislature requiring such a declaration, it has not yet been passed.


The requirement has raised the hackles of civil liberties groups, who say the question is another attempt to discourage people from voting. Residents already have to attest to their citizenship when they register to vote.


"Requiring voters to affirm their citizenship again at the polls is a solution in search of a problem," said Melanie McElroy, executive director of Common Cause of Michigan. "This new requirement will only confuse longtime voters who affirmed their citizenship when they registered to vote for the first time."


Kent Anderson, 53, of Sterling Heights said he has been voting since 1976 and was taken aback by the question.


Gendreau said the change also was made to remind voters they must be U.S. citizens to be eligible to vote.

Surprise at polls: Voters now must affirm U.S. citizenship | Detroit Free Press | freep.com

They have to "attest" to it, or PROVE it??..I think It'd be a fabulous idea to also include those UV lights that can scan I.D for being Fake...

The streets make VERY realistic FAKE SS cards and I.D/D.L these days..So its Inthe BEST interest of the USA if Voters are required to offer some PROVABLE form of Citizenship..

I mean look, 4 years later, we STILL aren't 100% sure about Obama!!

The ONLY way to keep INTEGRITY in votes, is to be 100% Sure they are coming from 100% Legal Americans

While it may be an Inconveinience for us Legal American, at least we would KNOW for a FACT, we can PROVE ourselves and anyone who Cant, Cant vote...It helps our country

The requirement has raised the hackles of civil liberties groups, who say the question is another attempt to discourage people from voting. Residents already have to attest to their citizenship when they register to vote.

Anyone can register on-line or by mail. Requiring ID insures the integrity of the election since ONLY Us citizens can vote in a Federal election, per Federal law. These civil liberties group's objection's to ID or verification of citizenship seem to indicate a subversive agenda. People that are just squatting here, that are not citizens, have not earned the right to make the decisions.

From the USCIS Wbsite

Citizenship

If you meet certain requirements, you may become a U.S. citizen either at
birth or after birth.

To become a citizen at birth, you must:

• Have been born in the United States or certain territories or outlying
  possessions of the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; OR
• had a parent or parents who were citizens at the time of your birth (if you
  were born
  abroad) and meet other requirements

To become a citizen after birth, you must:

• Apply for “derived” or “acquired” citizenship
  through parents
• Apply
  for naturalization

The Naturalization Test


Most naturalization applicants are required to take a test on:

• English
• Civics (U.S. history and government)

We provide resources to help you prepare. For more information, visit our Naturalization
Test page. Get study materials from the Citizenship
Resource Center.

Citizenship for Military Members and Dependents


Members and veterans of the U.S. armed forces and their dependents may be
eligible for special naturalization provisions. For more information, visit
our Citizenship
for Military Personnel & Famly Members page.

Dual Citizenship


For information on dual citizenship, visit the US State
Department Services Dual Nationality website.

The Value of Citizenship


The United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants from all parts
of the world. America values the contributions of immigrants who continue to
enrich this country and preserve its legacy as a land of freedom and
opportunity.

Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions in
an individual’s life. If you decide to apply to become a U.S. citizen, you will
be showing your commitment to the United States and your loyalty to its
Constitution. In return, you are rewarded with all the rights and privileges
that are part of U.S. citizenship.

USCIS.gov

It's a simple "yes" or "no" question; how is it going to discourage anyone from voting who has a right to vote?!

Heck, I'm still a supporter of the idea of needing to say the pledge of allegiance to be able to register to vote, to vote, and in schools.