As election day looms on the horizon, the most important question Michaganders should be asking is whether or not they want their voting standards reduced to the lowest common denominator.

Proposal 2, one of three proposals that would amend Michigan’s constitution if approved, aims to “recognize the fundamental right to vote without harassing conduct,” but it opens wide the gate for more abuses.

Instead of photo ID requirements, one would only need to present a signed affidavit matching the signature on the voter registration record. According to Ballotpedia, if a signature doesn’t match, “Proposal 2 also provides the voter with the right to be notified immediately and afforded due process, including the opportunity to correct the issue with the signature.” 

However, the current photo ID requirement for the state of Michigan is fairly lax, allowing any form of photo identification ranging from a driver’s license, a U.S. passport, or a student ID from an accredited institution of higher learning. 

The premise of the proposal suggests that the current identification requirements prevent equal voting access. However, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, well over half of Americans have driver’s licenses–212,159,728 people to be precise–and that does not include other acceptable forms of identification, such as student IDs or a U.S. passport. 

All of the above documentation generally requires proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, notarized statement from the bank, or a social security number. 

While only U.S. citizens can vote in elections, only requiring proof of signature checked by a disinterested election official opens the door for more voter fraud and undermines the integrity and institutional stability of the Michigan state electoral system. 

Voter fraud is something which has occurred in the past and will continue to happen in the future, and it’s our job as responsible citizens to preserve our rights and form of government. 

Supporting the proposal makes it easier for undocumented individuals to cast their vote in elections that determine the state’s course for the foreseeable future. It also allows people who are not productive members of society to have a say in the government when they have no ties to the state or to the country. 

People who have not completed their high school education, hold no other form of citizenship, or do not carry a Michigan state ID card should not be allowed to vote. Such individuals want the privileges associated with citizenship without any of the responsibilities to community and country.