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