Great Lakes Wire

Common Cause Michigan is urging Michigan's U.S. Senators to block the SAVE Act, a bill recently passed by the U.S. House that the organization criticizes for potential voter suppression. The group argues that the act would significantly hinder Michiganders' ability to register and vote, particularly affecting those in rural areas, individuals needing to pay for additional documentation, and those fearful of new voting regulations.

The SAVE Act, if not stopped by the U.S. Senate, along with House Joint Resolution B (HJR-B), could lead to various obstacles for Michigan voters. These measures would impose requirements for obtaining costly new documents like passports or birth certificates, which are not presently mandated under Michigan or federal law. This could act as a modern-day poll tax, disproportionately affecting those who cannot afford such expenses or those worried about potential repercussions from incorrect documentation. This situation might result in voters becoming unregistered or being denied ballots.

Common Cause Michigan emphasizes the risk of voter disenfranchisement, particularly when individuals move and fail to update all necessary documents with their new address, leading to their unregistration or denial at the polls.

Quentin Turner, Executive Director of Common Cause Michigan, stated, “Both the SAVE Act and The Block the Ballot HJR-B resolution in Michigan are voter suppression bills, period. They would institute modern day poll taxes, period. And they would undo popular reforms that Michigan voters have directly voted to pass. The people of Michigan don’t want voter suppression, poll taxes, or to be overridden on voting reforms they have already passed. The people’s representatives should listen and kill both the SAVE Act and HJR-B immediately.”