Michigan House Bill HB4875

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/28/23
• Refer: 6/28/23

Caption

Elections: election officials; procedure to remove certain electors listed on the qualified voter file who have not recently voted; provide for. Amends sec. 509bb of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.509bb).

Impact

Under this bill, every six years beginning with the 2024 general election, the Secretary of State will be required to send notices to electors who have not voted in the last six years. These notifications will prompt voters to verify their current address information. The process is designed to help prevent accidental disenfranchisement while ensuring that the voter rolls are updated and accurate. If voters fail to respond to these notices within 30 days, they will need to affirm their status at the polls before being permitted to vote.

Summary

House Bill 4875 aims to modify the Michigan election law concerning the procedures for maintaining the voter registration list. The bill specifically amends section 509bb of 1954 PA 116, ensuring that a registered voter's registration cannot be canceled solely based on their failure to vote. This change is intended to protect voters from being removed from the registration list without a fair opportunity to confirm their status as active electors.

Conclusion

Ultimately, House Bill 4875 seeks to facilitate greater voter protection and engagement, particularly for those who have been inactive in recent elections. By instituting a system where voters are informed of their standing and provided an opportunity to respond, the bill aims to bolster the integrity of the voting process in Michigan.

Contention

The bill's proponents argue that it provides essential safeguards for voters who may unintentionally be at risk of losing their registration. Critics, however, may raise concerns regarding the administrative burden this creates for the Secretary of State’s office and the potential impact on overall voter participation. Moreover, there may be debates on how effectively the proposed measures can engage voters to maintain their registration status actively.