“Proof of citizenship should absolutely be required to vote in our elections, and I am sure the vast majority of my fellow election clerks would agree,” Smit said. “Secretary Benson and her team should complete a thorough review of our voter rolls and ensure that only living U.S. citizens, who reside in Michigan, are able to validly cast a vote at the polls in the future. Our nation is only sovereign if our elections are secure and subject only to our citizens.”

“Given the scale and seriousness of these allegations, I urge the Department of Justice to initiate a thorough investigation into these entities to determine the extent of their involvement in illegal electioneering activities and fraudulent voter registration efforts,” Smit wrote. “Such an investigation is crucial to uphold the integrity of our electoral process and ensure that tax-exempt organizations comply with federal laws.”

“These reports and claims are very concerning, especially since we are repeatedly told that our elections are completely safe and secure,” said Smit, chair of the Election Integrity Committee. “If these claims are accurate, and the scale and scope are this bad, then Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel clearly aren’t doing their jobs, and they’re failing the people of Michigan.”

Vote explanations on income tax, roads, and drivers licenses for illegal immigrants.

HB 4003:  Would rename a portion of US-131 in Mecosta County as the Sgt. Matthew Webber memorial highway. Sponsor:  Rep. Kunse (R)                            Passage:  108-0 with Immediate Effect Why I voted YES: Our military personnel continually place themselves in danger on behalf of our citizens and state. – – – HB 4046:  Would rename a portion […]

“The thing I keep asking myself throughout this entire ordeal is ‘where are these kids’ parents?’ As a mom of three boys, I cannot fathom ever allowing my sons to compete against girls. These are children; they’re not old enough to be trusted to take out the trash regularly, yet we’re supposed to believe they can decide to change genders?”

“Secretary Benson repeatedly tells the public that her department is a paragon of transparency,” said Smit, R-Martin. “However, my four-month ordeal trying to obtain the most basic of records indicates otherwise. The way Secretary Benson operates her department is not transparency, it’s obfuscation.”

“I’ll tell you what, the governor sure is trying on her best Republican impersonation. Between cutting permitting fees, protecting businesses, and supporting our military, our governor might give Tim Allen a run for his money if she decides she wants a career in conservative television. That’s the thing about our governor; she has great talking points, but at the end of the day, all she’s doing is playing a part. She’s been governor for six years; the only thing she’s successfully led is her social media team.”

BILL PACKAGE HBs 4052-4053:  Prohibit Legislators and Staff from Entering into Non-Disclosure Agreements Sponsors:  Reps. Carra (R) & Wegela (D)                            HB 4052 Passage:  80-28 with Immediate Effect HB 4053 Passage:  91-17 with Immediate Effect Why I voted YES: This legislation is a common-sense solution that brings forward transparency and helps prevent legislators from behind-closed-door deals, […]

Speaker Pro Tem Rachelle Smit invites residents to attend her local office hours on Friday, March 21, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Grove Street Café. Smit’s office hours are an opportunity for constituents to speak directly with their representative and ask questions or share ideas. Grove Street Café is located 370 N. Grove […]

Vote explanations on government transparency, tipped wage, and sick time policies.

“While this plan is far from perfect, we fought tooth and nail to secure protections for our tipped workers and small businesses,” said Smit, R-Martin. “Senate Democrats didn’t want to do anything. The radical wing of their party was ready to watch tipped workers get laid off and small businesses close, all in the name of so-called ‘fairness.’ House Republicans didn’t let that happen. From day one, we were the adults in the room, and we continued to drag Democrats to the negotiating table until we secured a common-sense solution.”