MI
Michigan House Bill HB4570

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB4570

Introduced
11/1/23  
Report Pass
11/1/23  
Refer
5/16/23  
Report Pass
6/6/23  
Engrossed
9/27/23  
Refer
10/3/23  
Report Pass
11/2/23  
Refer
11/2/23  
Report Pass
11/2/23  
Enrolled
11/2/23  
Chaptered
12/31/23  

Caption

Elections: absent voters; online application for absent voter ballots; provide for. Amends sec. 759 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.759).

Impact

The implementation of HB4570 is designed to streamline the process of absentee voting in Michigan, potentially increasing voter participation by making it easier for individuals to request absentee ballots. The introduction of online applications could also reduce processing delays associated with mail and in-person submissions, ensuring that voters can obtain their ballots more efficiently. Additionally, the bill mandates that electronic signatures, whether stored or uploaded, be considered valid, thereby modernizing and legitimizing digital voter interactions.

Summary

House Bill 4570, titled 'Elections: absent voters; online application for absent voter ballots; provide for', updates Michigan's election laws by allowing registered voters to apply for absentee ballots through an online application system maintained by the secretary of state. This bill modifies Section 759 of the 1954 PA 116, providing electronic alternatives for voters to request absentee ballots, in addition to traditional written applications.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB4570 appears to be largely positive among those advocating for increased voter accessibility and modernized election processes. Supporters argue that the bill addresses the evolving needs of voters, particularly as society shifts towards digital solutions. However, there are underlying concerns regarding the security of online applications and the potential for abuse or fraud in absentee voting, leading to cautious support from certain segments of the electoral community.

Contention

While HB4570 is generally framed as a progressive step towards facilitating absentee voting, it raises questions about the safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the voting process. Critics may highlight the need for robust cybersecurity measures to ensure that digital signatures are safely stored and utilized, thus preventing unauthorized access or manipulation. The balance between increasing accessibility and maintaining election integrity remains a point of contention among lawmakers and citizens alike.

Latest HB4570 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

MI SB0370

Elections: absent voters; signature matching and curing for absent voter ballot applications and absent voter ballot return envelopes; provide for, and provide for modifications to the absent voter ballot application and process. Amends secs. 759, 761 & 766 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.759 et seq.); adds secs. 766a & 766b & repeals sec. 759c of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.759c). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0339'23

MI HB4700

Elections: absent voters; signature matching and curing for absent voter ballot applications and absent voter ballot return envelopes; provide for, and provide for modifications to the absent voter ballot application and process. Amends secs. 759, 761 & 766 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.759 et seq.); adds secs. 766a & 766b & repeals sec. 759c of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.759c). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4594'23, HB 4756'23

MI SB0177

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).

MI SB0470

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).

MI SB0259

Elections: absent voters; tabulating absent voter ballots received up to 6 days after an election from an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter; provide for. Amends secs. 759a & 764a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.759a & 168.764a).

MI HB6055

Elections: voting procedures; certain provisions regarding early voting; clarify, clarify provisions regarding use of electronic poll book software, clarify the provisions regarding the permanent mail ballot voter list for military and overseas voters, clarify procedures for absent voter ballots that are missing a stub or have a ballot number that does not match, and provide for other general amendments. Amends secs. 305, 497, 523b, 662, 664, 668b, 720d, 720e, 720f, 720g, 720j, 759, 759a, 759e, 761d, 764c, 765a, 768, 798b, 805, 807, 813 & 829 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.305 et seq.).