State Rep. David Martin this week voted in support of election legislation aimed at strengthening safeguards against foreign interference and ensuring only legal ballots are cast in Michigan.

“The backbone of our republic is safe and secure elections,” said Martin, R-Davison. “We have a responsibility to maintain and strengthen our voting systems so they remain reliable and secure. Foreign adversaries and bad actors will always look for ways to exploit weaknesses for their own gain. Legislation like this helps stop potential threats before they occur and ensures that only U.S. citizens are participating in our elections.”

House Bill 4765 would strengthen Michigan’s voter identification law by requiring proof of citizenship to register and vote.

House Bill 4720 would prohibit new voting systems in Michigan from including parts or equipment produced by companies on a federal watchlist of national security risks. The plan follows similar federal legislation passed in 2021 that restricts the use of equipment from companies such as Huawei and ZTE, which have ties to the Chinese Communist Party. The Federal Communications Commission maintains the list of suppliers it considers an unacceptable security risk.

Both plans move onto the state Senate for further consideration.

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