Dear Editor,

Lately, you may have noticed petitions being circulated in the Copper Country by “Americans for Citizens Voting – Michigan” or “Committee to Protect Voters’ Rights”.

These harmful anti-voter petitions would make it more difficult for eligible U.S. citizens to vote, primarily by requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration. The League of Women Voters of Michigan, as well as the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country strongly oppose them.

Do not be fooled by the petitions’ misleading names. State and federal laws already prohibit non-citizens from voting. These proposals would entangle voters in unnecessary red tape, making it more difficult for all of us to register to vote.

If you see these petitions, decline to sign! Petition circulators can legally say anything to get you to sign. Always read the fine print.

The Michigan League of Women Voters provides a brief explanation of the potential ballot proposals that have been approved by the Michigan Board of Canvassers on this website: lwvmi.org. The Board of Canvassers website provides the full text of these ballot proposals at michigan.gov/sos/elections/bsc.

In recent years, Michigan voters overwhelmingly approved ballot measures that have modernized our elections, improved access to the ballot box, and advanced our voting rights. Let’s not derail our progress. We must keep our elections free and fair.

We say NO to deceitful anti-voter petitions that will silence out voices.

Linda Belote and Faith Morrison, Co-presidents

League of Women Voters of the Copper Country