Is Michigan’s Voter Roll Out of Control? The 500,000 Extra Voters Controversy

Bridge Michigan reports that Michigan’s voter rolls contain about 500,000 more names than eligible voters in the state. With 8.4 million registered voters, Michigan has approximately half a million more than the population of voting age. This discrepancy has resulted in Michigan having the most disproportionate voter rolls in its region and one of the most imbalanced in the U.S.

The increase may be linked to a 2018 proposal that automatically registers individuals over 18 when they apply for a driver’s license, unless they opt out. The state plans to remove around 606,800 inactive voters by 2027 as permitted under federal law, which allows for removal after voters have not participated in two consecutive federal elections or after mail sent to them is returned as undeliverable.

In February, the Republican National Committee sued Michigan to trim the voter rolls, citing concerns that inflated records could increase election risks and lead to higher costs for voter outreach. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s spokesperson, Angela Benander, responded by saying that such lawsuits aim to instill doubt in the election system and lay a foundation for contesting results if they are unfavorable to certain groups.

Elon Musk also weighed in on the issue on Oct. 18, questioning Michigan’s voter count. Benson countered that Musk misrepresented the figures, which include 1.2 million inactive records scheduled for removal. After further exchanges, Musk accused Benson of planning to remove ineligible voters only after the election, to which Benson replied, reaffirming the state’s adherence to the law.

Benson’s office has also been investigating Musk’s PAC, which supports Trump and has allegedly gathered personal voter data in Michigan and other battleground states under a now-removed “register to vote” section on its website.