To the Journal editor:

In 2022, Michigan voters approved Proposal 22-2, making voting easier and more secure.

And we successfully used this secure, modern system in the 2024 election cycle! Currently there is a federal bill — HR-22 or the SAVE Act — which will endanger Michigan’s secure system.

The SAVE Act creates a burden by requiring a passport or original copy of birth certificate IN PERSON in order to register or update registration. This will make it harder for millions of Americans to register and cast a vote, regardless of party affiliation. How might this effect our communities?

≤ It is estimated only 50 to 60% of adult American Citizens have a passport, and they are more concentrated in urban/suburban areas.

≤ Many adults do not have an original copy of their birth certificate and it can be difficult to obtain, especially for those who have moved from place of birth.

≤ The name on the birth certificate must match an individual’s current name, disenfranchising, among others, millions of women who have married and legally changed their name.

≤ Requiring in person registration/updated registration will disenfranchise service members stationed overseas and many rural Americans who use the mail in option.

Lastly, the SAVE Act would apply only to federal elections. Thus, the state would have to maintain two separate voter registration rolls — which will be costly and burdensome for local clerks and election administrators.

I urge all readers to contact your U.S. congressional representative and senators to express your opposition to the SAVE Act.