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Wayne County Partners with MDOS to Process IDs for Returning Citizens

September 15, 2025

The Michigan Department of State has expanded its ID and voter registration program for returning citizens to Wayne County, partnering with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. This initiative, which has helped 20,000 formerly incarcerated individuals obtain state IDs or driver's licenses since 2020, brings mobile office vans to jails and prisons to process documents. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Sheriff Raphael Washington emphasized that Michigan citizens have the right to vote after exiting prison, addressing misconceptions about voting eligibility among those with criminal histories.

Who is affected

  • Returning citizens (formerly incarcerated individuals) in Wayne County
  • Wayne County inmates (approximately 60% of whom lack IDs)
  • Historically marginalized communities with low voter participation
  • Michigan Department of State
  • Wayne County Sheriff's Office

What action is being taken

  • The Michigan Department of State is extending its ID and voter registration program to Wayne County
  • MDOS is bringing mobile office vans to jails and prisons to process documents
  • The program is processing driver's licenses and state IDs for returning citizens
  • Automatic voter registration is being activated for eligible returning citizens upon prison exit
  • Secretary Benson and Sheriff Washington are conducting outreach to inform returning citizens about their voting rights

Why it matters

  • The program helps returning citizens successfully reintegrate into society with proper identification
  • It addresses misconceptions about voting eligibility among those with criminal histories
  • Despite Michigan's high overall voter turnout (79% in the latest presidential election, third-highest nationwide), Detroit's turnout remains low (under 20% in the recent municipal primary)
  • Proper identification is crucial for accessing employment, housing, and other essential services
  • The initiative supports civic participation among historically underrepresented populations

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle

Wayne County Partners with MDOS to Process IDs for Returning Citizens