Michigan House Bill HB4861

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/11/25
• Refer: 9/11/25

Caption

Elections: candidates; affidavit of identity provision for partisan office candidates; clarify. Amends sec. 558 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.558).

Impact

The bill emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency amongst candidates by mandating that affidavits contain detailed personal information, including the candidate's legal name, residential address, and party affiliation. It also asserts that candidates must certify they are meeting all statutory requirements and that any false claims made in the affidavit would be considered perjury. Such measures are intended to bolster voter confidence and ensure that only qualified individuals appear on ballots across multiple levels of government, including local, county, and state offices.

Summary

House Bill 4861 aims to amend the Michigan election law, specifically focusing on the affidavit of identity required for candidates filing for office. The bill stipulates that candidates must file two copies of their affidavit of identity when filing a nominating petition, qualifying petition, or filing fee for various governmental positions. This requirement ensures that the documentation is submitted promptly to the appropriate election officers, enhancing the procedural integrity of the election process.

Contention

While the bill appears to address concerns regarding candidate verification, it may also provoke debate surrounding the constraints it places on candidates, especially those with name changes. Provisions allowing candidates to omit name changes under certain conditions could lead to potential loopholes. Critics may argue that this could enable candidates to obscure their true identities or past affiliations, raising questions about the bill's effectiveness in fully ensuring transparency. As the electoral landscape evolves, the implications of this bill on future election cycles will be an important topic of discussion.