Kalamazoo County Takes Stand Against SAVE America Act
*KALAMAZOO, Mich.* — The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners voted to oppose a federal effort that would require voters to prove citizenship before registering to vote. The 6-to-3 vote approving the resolution came along party lines, with Republicans opposing the measure.
The legislation in question is the SAVE America Act, which has passed the House of Representatives multiple times since 2024. The bill would add restrictions to voter registration, mail voting, and private ballot access.
"Kalamazoo county commissioners took a small step against an effort to make it more difficult to register to vote in Michigan, and across the nation," WKZO reported.
The commission split down party lines with Republicans, including John Gisler and Jeff Heppler, opposing the resolution. Jen Strebs, the commission chair, spoke at length about why she supports opposing the measure.
"Chair Jen Strebs says there's a big difference between requiring voter ID and what is being proposed," the station reported.
Strebs shared her personal experience as a speaker. She was adopted as a child, changed her name when she got married, and as a victim of domestic abuse, had all her documents shredded by her ex-boyfriend. She said it has been very expensive and difficult to get them all replaced.
"Strebs says she was adopted as a child, changed her name when she got married, and as a victim of domestic abuse, had all her documents shredded by her ex-boyfriend. She says it's been very expensive and difficult to get them all replaced."
The resolution urges state officials to oppose such efforts at the federal level. However, Strebs acknowledged the commission has no say on whether it goes on the ballot if there are enough petition signatures.
"The resolution urges state officials to oppose such efforts, but if there are enough petition signatures, they won't have any say on whether it goes on the ballot."
Speaker from voter advocacy groups urged commissioners to take a stand against what they called the anti-democratic efforts. Resident Sherry Opelka, the YWCA's Emily Britton and The League of Women Voter's Aidee Clemons all spoke against the changes.
The SAVE America Act has gained traction at the state level as well. Americans for Citizens Voting has collected enough signatures to put a similar issue on the November ballot. The measure would require residents to present a passport or birth certificate to register to vote. Currently all residents need is a driver's license or state picture ID.
The vote represents another layer of political positioning for the Kalamazoo County commissioners as they navigate federal immigration and voting policy debates. The resolution sends a signal to state and federal lawmakers about where local officials stand on the proposal.