Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB5572

Introduced
3/13/24  
Refer
3/13/24  
Report Pass
6/18/24  
Engrossed
6/26/24  
Refer
6/26/24  
Report Pass
12/10/24  
Refer
12/10/24  
Report Pass
12/10/24  

Caption

Elections: petitions; statistical random sampling of nominating petition signatures; provide for, and allow for the disqualification of obviously fraudulent nominating petition signatures. Amends sec. 552 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.552).

Impact

The impact of HB 5572 would be significant on both the election administration processes and candidate nomination practices. By requiring that petitions be verified against the qualified voter file, the legislation fosters a more standardized approach in evaluating signatures, which could help reduce the incidence of fraudulent petitions. This change would streamline the processes that clerks must undertake when handling nomination petitions, potentially increasing the confidence of both candidates and voters in the integrity of the electoral system.

Summary

House Bill 5572 aims to amend Michigan's election laws specifically related to the verification of nominating petitions. It outlines a new process for using the qualified voter file to assess the authenticity of signatures on petitions submitted for candidate nominations. This legislation mandates that county and city clerks utilize digitized signatures to confirm the genuineness of petition signatures and enforce penalties for fraudulent submissions. The bill represents an effort to enhance the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that all petitions are genuinely supported by registered voters.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 5572 appears largely positive among lawmakers concerned about election security, with many viewing it as a necessary reform in the face of increasing concerns about electoral integrity. However, there may be dissent from some factions who believe that the additional requirements could complicate or hinder the candidacy process, particularly for independent or less-established candidates. Overall, the bill seems positioned to gain traction amid ongoing dialogues about election reforms across the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the bill's focus on signature verification, which some critics argue may disproportionately burden certain candidates or voters, particularly those unfamiliar with the process. Furthermore, the provision for investigating allegedly fraudulent signatures and referral to the Attorney General raises concerns about potential misuse or overreach in enforcement. The requirement for other linked bills to be enacted before HB 5572 can take effect may also spark discussions about legislative intersections and cooperation.

Companion Bills

MI HB5576

Same As Elections: petitions; statistical random sampling of petition signatures for petitions to form a new political party; provide for. Amends sec. 685 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.685).

MI HB5571

Same As Elections: petitions; provisions regarding ballot initiative petitions, constitutional amendment petitions, and nominating petitions; modify, and provide for the statistical random sampling of certain petition signatures. Amends secs. 482, 482a & 544c of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.482 et seq.).

MI HB5573

Same As Elections: petitions; statistical random sampling of ballot initiative petitions, constitutional amendment petitions, and qualifying petitions; provide for, allow for the disqualification of obviously fraudulent petition signatures, and modify petition signature requirements. Amends secs. 476, 477 & 590f of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.476 et seq.).

Similar Bills

MI HB5573

Elections: petitions; statistical random sampling of ballot initiative petitions, constitutional amendment petitions, and qualifying petitions; provide for, allow for the disqualification of obviously fraudulent petition signatures, and modify petition signature requirements. Amends secs. 476, 477 & 590f of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.476 et seq.).

MI HB4503

Elections: challengers; training requirements for election challengers; provide for, and provide for comprehensive election challenger training for county clerks, political parties, and other organizations. Amends secs. 31, 683 & 730 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.31 et seq.) & adds sec. 730a.

MI SB0603

Elections: recounts; recount process and recount filing fees; modify, modify the ballot canvassing deadlines under certain circumstances and require an expedited ballot canvass under certain circumstances. Amends secs. 2, 822, 825, 827, 828, 842, 861, 862, 863, 865, 866, 867, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 875, 876, 878, 879, 880, 880a, 881, 882, 883, 884, 887, 888, 889, 890 & 892 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.2 et seq.); adds secs. 861a & 883a & repeals secs. 871a, 877, 885, 886 & 891 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.871a et seq.).

NV AB147

Requires proof of identity to vote. (BDR 24-624)

KS SB260

Prohibiting remote ballot boxes, providing for reporting and publication of voting results and public access to voting records and materials, limiting advance voting provisions and requiring receipt of advance voting ballots by election day, limiting the size of precincts, making the general election a state holiday, providing that the sheriff has sole jurisdiction for and shall provide security at voting places, establishing the authority of the legislature over elections with preeminence over rules and regulations of the secretary of state and federal election law and making certain election crimes felonies.

MA H50

Report in part of the special committee of the House to examine the returns of the votes for Representative in the several representative districts of the Commonwealth relative to the first Middlesex District

OH HB233

Require elector citizenship verification; revise election law

OH SB153

Require citizenship verification before an elector may vote