Hayley Harding

Hayley Harding

Reporter, Votebeat

Hayley Harding is a Detroit-based reporter who has covered government and the people who run it at all levels. She covers voting and election administration in Michigan. Before that, she was a data journalist on The Detroit News’ investigations team, where she covered population trends, social problems, and more. She has worked for the Idaho Statesman in Boise and for the Salisbury Daily Times in Salisbury, Maryland. A Michigander by birth, Hayley graduated from Ohio University.

They’re arguing that voters don’t have the power to set election laws through ballot initiatives, based on a theory that the court has repeatedly rejected.

The new mandates, including a proof-of-citizenship requirement and revised voting machine standards, would override the powers of Congress, states, and independent agencies. Elon Musk’s team would investigate voter rolls.

Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office says it will appeal the decisions, as it has with other dismissed cases.

The resolution has a long way to go before it appears before voters in 2026.

Does the cost of documents amount to a poll tax? The bill’s Republican author bristles at the suggestion.

Benson said the legislation could involve changes to same-day registration procedures, but she remains opposed to a proposed proof-of-citizenship requirement.

Rachelle Smit is ‘not shy’ about repeating false claims of fraud in 2020. Now she’ll help shape state election law as Republicans look to add a proof-of-citizenship requirement for voters.

The proposal would amend the state constitution and come before voters next year. It would apply retroactively to currently registered voters.

Michigan is my home. And we need more reporting on how our democracy works.