Elections: ballots; ballot on demand systems; prohibit. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding secs. 37c, 717b & 795d.
Impact
If passed, HB 4871 will have a significant impact on the election processes in Michigan. By banning ballot on demand systems, the bill seeks to establish a more controlled environment for ballot printing. This change may streamline elections by ensuring that ballots are produced in line with established regulations, potentially reducing instances of misprints or errors. Additionally, proponents of the bill argue that it could enhance security by minimizing the risk of tampering or fraudulent production of ballots, which is a growing concern as technology continues to evolve in the electoral landscape.
Summary
House Bill 4871 aims to amend the 1954 Public Act 116, specifically targeting the use of 'ballot on demand' systems in Michigan elections. The bill prohibits the Secretary of State, as well as counties, cities, and townships, from using such systems for printing ballots. This amendment reflects a legislative intent to standardize the methods by which ballots are created and ensures that all election ballots are printed and secured according to prescribed procedures set forth in the act. By explicitly banning ballot on demand systems, the bill attempts to eliminate variability in ballot production and enhance the integrity of the voting process.
Contention
However, the bill has faced notable contention among various stakeholders. Critics argue that the prohibition on ballot on demand systems could limit options for counties and municipalities that may see benefits from such technology. The pushback comes from a concern that rigid regulations could hinder innovative approaches to voting and complicate the electoral process for some jurisdictions that might have adopted these systems to streamline operations. Furthermore, discussions around voter accessibility and convenience point to the need for diverse and adaptive voting methods that cater to changing demographics and technological advancements.
Elections: voting equipment; use of electronic voting systems that contain certain parts or equipment; prohibit. Amends secs. 795 & 795a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.795 & 168.795a).
Elections: voting equipment; use of electronic voting systems that contain certain parts or equipment; prohibit. Amends secs. 795 & 795a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.795 & 168.795a).
Elections: absent voters; electronic return of absent voter ballots by military voters and their spouses; provide for. Amends sec. 759a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.759a) & repeals sec. 18a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.18a).
Elections: voting equipment; standards for electronic voting systems; modify, and modify maintenance of electronic voting system source codes. Amends secs. 795, 795a & 797c of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.795 et seq.).
Elections: offenses; intimidating an election official or preventing an election official from performing the election official's duties; prohibit. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding sec. 931b.
Elections: absent voters; electronic return of absent voter ballots by uniformed services voters and overseas voters; allow, and codify tabulating certain absent voter ballots received up to 6 days after the election. Amends secs. 759a & 764a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.759a & 168.764a) & repeals sec. 18a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.18a).
Elections: absent voters; electronic return of absent voter ballots by uniformed services voters; amend start date. Amends sec. 759a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.759a).
Elections: special elections; state to reimburse costs for certain special elections; require. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding sec. 634b.