Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB4762

Introduced
6/15/23  

Caption

Elections: voting procedures; early voting procedures; provide for. Amends secs. 662 & 668b of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.662 & 168.668b) & adds secs. 720a, 720b, 720c, 720d, 720e, 720f, 720g, 720h, 720i & 720j.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of HB4762 is the establishment of a structured method for municipalities to conduct early voting. By requiring municipalities to submit an early voting plan to their county clerk, the bill aims for standardization across jurisdictions, easing the administrative burden on election officials. The bill also facilitates an agreement framework among municipalities and counties for joint early voting operations, which is intended to maximize efficiency and accessibility for voters. This approach helps ensure that all citizens have adequate opportunity to exercise their voting rights.

Summary

House Bill 4762 aims to amend the Michigan election law to provide a clearer framework for early voting procedures and the establishment of polling places. The bill modifies existing statutes regarding where elections and early voting can occur, specifying that municipalities must utilize publicly owned buildings unless circumstances dictate otherwise. This ensures that schools, fire stations, and police stations are prioritized as polling sites, while allowing exemptions in particular cases where accessibility poses a challenge, or additional locations are needed to accommodate voters, particularly those who are elderly or disabled.

Contention

While the bill is primarily aimed at enhancing the early voting process, it may face contention regarding its impact on local control over election procedures. Critics may argue that mandates from the state could undermine the ability of local governments to tailor voting access to the specific needs of their communities. Additionally, concerns regarding the adequacy of resources provided for electronic voting infrastructure and training for election officials could surface, as adequate staffing and functionality of voting equipment are crucial for a smooth electoral process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

MI HB4695

Elections: voting procedures; early voting procedures; clarify, and clarify appointing election inspectors to early voting sites. Amends secs.674 & 720j of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.674 & 168.720j).

MI SB0367

Elections: voting procedures; early voting procedures; provide for, allow processing and tabulation of absent voter ballots during the early voting period, and allow an absent voter to tabulate the absent voter's ballot in person at a polling place or early voting site. Amends secs. 570, 662, 668b, 674, 736b, 736c, 736d, 736e, 764a, 764b, 764d, 765, 765a, 765b, 768, 769, 795b, 797a, 798b & 805 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.570 et seq.); adds secs. 8, 523b, 720a, 720b, 720c, 720d, 720e, 720f, 720g, 720h, 720i, 720j, 765c & 768a & repeals secs. 14b, 24k & 767 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.14b et seq.) TIE BAR WITH: SB 0370'23, HB 4697'23

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.).

MI SB0387

Elections: absent voters; processing and tabulation of absent voter ballots during the early voting period; allow, and allow an absent voter to tabulate the absent voter's ballot in person at a polling place or early voting site. Amends secs. 764a, 764b, 764d, 765, 765a, 765b, 768, 769, 798b & 805 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.764a et seq.); adds secs. 523b, 765c & 768a & repeals secs. 14b, 24k & 767 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.14b et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0370'23, SB 0372'23

MI HB4756

Elections: absent voters; processing and tabulation of absent voter ballots during the early voting period; allow, and allow an absent voter to tabulate the absent voter's ballot in person at a polling place or early voting site. Amends secs. 764a, 764b, 764d, 765, 765a, 765b, 768, 769, 798b & 805 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.764a et seq.); adds secs. 523b, 765c & 768a & repeals secs. 14b, 24k & 767 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.14b et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0370'23, SB 0372'23

MI SB1068

Elections: challengers; requirements and procedures for election challengers; modify, clarify challenges to voter registration, and clarify the procedure regarding certain absent voter ballots. Amends secs. 509r, 509aa, 509bb, 509cc, 512, 523b, 727, 728, 730, 731, 733, 765a & 769 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.509r et seq.); adds secs. 726c, 726d & 726e & repeals secs. 729 & 732 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.729 & 168.732).

ND HB1312

Election procedures in school district elections.

MI SB1034

Elections: voting procedures; process for voting without identification for election purposes; modify to include proof of identity and proof of state residency. Amends secs. 523, 523a, 813 & 829 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.523 et seq.).