New Bill Requires Voters To Affirm US Citizenship

A bill awaiting Gov. Rick Snyder's signature would require voters to declare their citizenship before getting a ballot.

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Credit WKAR File Photo

The measure was passed by the Republican-controlled Michigan Legislature during its final session that spanned two days and ended early Friday morning.
 
Snyder, a Republican, vetoed similar legislation this summer. The new bill would require voters to sign a statement affirming their citizenship, address and birth date.
 
Absentee ballot applications would include a warning that voters must be a U.S. citizen.
 
The bill also requires photo ID for those registering to vote. Those without ID could sign an affidavit and register.
 
Republican Secretary of State Ruth Johnson included a citizenship check-off box on ballot applications in the August primary. A federal judge barred her from using the box in the November election