State Rep. Hoadley today announced he is backing a plan to strengthen election integrity by requiring state-issued identification provided to U.S. citizens to display an eagle emblem.  

“We need to make it easier for our election officials to administer our elections according to the law,” said Hoadley (R-Au Gres). “With easily accessible proof of citizenship, we can better protect the integrity of the ballot.”  

The legislation would establish a clear, consistent visual distinction of U.S. citizens on state-issued identification documents. Non-U.S. citizens who are lawfully present in Michigan and eligible to receive a government-issued identification card or driver’s license would receive one that does not have the eagle emblem. This would, over time, assist election officials in easily identifying citizenship status when reviewing identification during elections. 

“Every eligible voter in Michigan needs to have confidence that our elections are being held securely,” Hoadley said. “A straightforward, recognizable designation of U.S. citizenship on state-issued identification is a very reasonable and straightforward step toward making those distinctions clearer.”