LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)— U.S. Consultant Tim Walberg, from southern Michigan, is beneath fireplace for feedback he made a couple of voting rights invoice throughout a group assembly final Thursday.
The subject of the SAVE Act, a Republican invoice that might require voters to supply proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote, got here up in a group gathering in Bedford Township.
Walberg was requested by a constituent if he thought the act would result in voter suppression.
In response, Walberg held up his driver’s license and talked about how folks want to point out an ID for numerous issues, suggesting {that a} license could be sufficient.
Nevertheless, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says a license isn’t proof of citizenship—and folks would wish to point out a passport or delivery certificates.
An attendee on the assembly responded to Walberg saying folks can’t afford a “$200 passport,” to which Walberg replied, “Well, then they shouldn’t be voting.”
Walberg has since responded saying he has lengthy championed election safety.
“If someone cannot present a driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, or other proof of citizenship, then they should not be voting in our elections,” mentioned Walberg. “As I have stated previously, you do not need a passport to vote under the SAVE Act, but proof of citizenship is required.”
Benson, who runs Michigan elections, says she opposes the SAVE Act, and it could block hundreds of thousands of eligible residents from casting their votes. She additionally says the invoice makes it tougher for folks, together with senior residents, faculty college students, and tribal residents.
