Michigan’s HB 4765: A New Front in Voter Suppression Disguised as Fraud Prevention

Michigan is once again on the verge of passing a voter suppression bill masquerading as a fraud prevention measure. House Bill 4765, currently under debate, demands that voters who have used a standard driver’s license or state ID to register or vote must now present an enhanced driver’s license or additional documents such as a birth certificate or passport. This is a direct attack on eligible voters, particularly married women who have changed their names and may not have the costly documents required.

Luke Zastrow, writing to the Daily Mining Gazette, highlights how this bill will impose undue burdens on both voters and election administrators. The Legislative Analysis by the House Fiscal Agency confirms that HB 4765 will increase administrative costs, require additional staffing, and force the state to conduct expensive outreach and education campaigns. In other words, it’s a bureaucratic nightmare designed to discourage voting.

The bill’s justification hinges on the myth of rampant noncitizen voting. Yet, Michigan’s own Department of State found only 15 potential noncitizen voters out of 5.7 million ballots cast last year — nearly all clerical errors. The rare cases of voter fraud, like a Chinese student who illegally voted and was prosecuted, are exceptions, not the rule.

HB 4765 echoes the federal American Save Act, which National Urban League president Marc H. Morial rightly calls “a solution looking for a problem.” Both bills weaponize fear of voter fraud to restrict access to the ballot box, undermining democracy under the guise of protection.

This is not about safeguarding elections. It’s about suppressing votes and consolidating power by making it harder for everyday citizens to participate in democracy. Michigan voters should heed this warning and push back hard against HB 4765 before it becomes law.

If you live in Michigan’s 38th Senate district, contact Senator Ed McBroom at (866) 305-2038 and demand a “No” vote on this bill. Democracy depends on it.