State Rep. Jason Woolford (R-Howell) announced new legislation on Monday that would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote.

Woolford’s announcement comes just a little over a week after the Michigan House of Representatives voted on House Joint Resolution B, a constitutional amendment to include photo ID/proof of citizenship requirements for voting in the Michigan Constitution. Unfortunately, the resolution failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the chamber required for constitutional amendments to be passed after House Democrats voted against the measure.

“In recent weeks, we have continually heard about more documented cases of election fraud from last year where non-citizens voted in our elections,” Woolford said. “Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has even conceded that their ballots were counted and impacted the results of our elections. This is unconscionable and proof that we need voter ID requirements. Michigan’s elections should be decided by the citizens of Michigan alone. My Democrat colleagues’ opposition to placing proof of citizenship requirements into our state constitution is incredibly disappointing and outrageous. Fortunately, my new legislation will not require their support to pass the House. We will deliver results to the people of Michigan who want to know their elections are secure one way or another.”

Woolford’s legislation would ensure the Secretary of State only registers individuals to vote who have provided documentation proving U.S. citizenship. Such documentation could include a driver’s license, personal identification card, birth certificate, or passport. Woolford’s proposal to improve election integrity in Michigan is in conjunction with a larger effort alongside State Representatives Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay Township), Ann Bollin (R-Brighton Township), Rachelle Smit (R-Shelbyville), and Bryan Posthumus (R-Rockford), who all also sponsored the recent proposal for a constitutional amendment.

“Representative Woolford has been a very valuable member of our caucus since coming to Lansing this term, especially on the issue of election integrity,” DeBoyer said of his colleague. “He clearly came to Lansing ready to fight on the issues that matter most to the people of Michigan. He has been and I’m sure will continue to be an unwavering advocate for the rule of law, our rights protected by the Constitution, and integrity in our elections.”