Holland Reporter

Campaign finance documents show that Promote the Vote, a Michigan-based organization opposing a ballot effort to require identification to vote, is being funded by out-of-state special interest groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

According to the Michigan Secretary of State's office, Promote the Vote received a $2,595,411 gift from the ACLU. The ballot initiative the group opposes would require Michigan voters to show a photo ID in order to vote.

Voters do not currently need to show a photo ID to register to vote, but they can use a proof of address like a utility bill instead.

Orlando Estrada, a Holland-area political activist, gave his opinion to the Holland Reporter when asked about the issue of requiring voters to present photo ID.

"It’s sad to see so much out-of-state money pouring into Michigan politics," Estrada said. "Showing a photo ID to vote is supported by most people that I talk to; it’s common sense."

A supermajority, 75%, of Michiganders support showing an ID in order to vote, as reported by Great Lakes Wire.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) opposes requiring voters to provide identification when casting their votes, and last year she vetoed a similar measure passed by the State Legislature. According to The Detroit News, at the end of last year, Michigan lawmakers overwhelmingly passed tougher voter ID laws, but Whitmer vetoed them.

Americans for Citizen Voting President Chris Arps said people in Michigan should know that money being sent to so-called state groups are actually taking large donations from national political big-money organizations.

"We aren't looking at small donations from people who share similar beliefs," Arps told the Holland Reporter. "We are looking at questionably large contributions. A majority of Promote the Vote's funding is coming not from Michiganders, but from out-of-state special interest groups."

Michigan residents can learn more about Secure Michigan Vote and sign up to receive a petition at their website.