Sen. Moss Responds to Failed House Vote on HJR-B, Proposed Constitutional Amendment That Would Marginalize Michigan Voters 

LANSING, Mich. (May 1, 2025) — Today, State Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) issued the following statement in response to the Michigan House of Representatives’ failed vote on House Joint Resolution B (HJR-B), a proposed constitutional amendment that would marginalize Michigan voters with onerous ID requirements: 

“It is already illegal for non-U.S. citizens to vote, and we have stiff consequences for those who break Michigan election law. As chair of the Senate Elections Committee, we’ve made tremendous strides to strengthen our voting systems and will continue to work with election administrators to make further improvements. This resolution is nothing more than a textbook example of dog whistle politics under the guise of ‘election integrity’ — and instead burdens American citizens who already face significant challenges accessing the ballot box. It follows the same historical patterns of Republicans seeking to undermine the voting rights of women, minorities, and marginalized voters for their own benefit. I’m glad to see that the performative vote on this resolution failed.”

HJR-B would require a two-thirds majority in the state Legislature, or a successful ballot initiative in order to go into effect. 

BACKGROUND:  

Many marginalized populations face disproportionate barriers to voting because of restrictive voter ID laws. According to the League of Women Voters, nationwide, 18% of all citizens over the age of 65, 16% of Latino voters, 25% of Black voters, and 15% of voters with low incomes lack acceptable photo ID. Additionally, voters who change their last names after marriage or divorce may not have permissible documentation, such as a passport that reflects their changed name, and may be unable to cast a ballot. In all these cases, voter ID laws like those proposed in HJR-B deny eligible voters access to the ballot box. 

 

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