Michigan Senate Bill SB0339

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/16/23
• Refer: 5/16/23
• Report Pass: 5/25/23
• Refer: 5/25/23
• Report Pass: 6/6/23
• Engrossed: 6/7/23
• Refer: 6/7/23
• Report Pass: 6/20/23
• Enrolled: 6/28/23
• Chaptered: 7/20/23
• Passed: 7/20/23

Caption

Elections: absent voters; absent voter ballot and application tracking system; create. Amends sec. 764c of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.764c).

Impact

The implementation of SB 339 will amend section 764c of the Michigan Election Law (1954 PA 116), significantly modernizing the absentee voting framework. By requiring the Secretary of State to create a tracking system, the bill addresses longstanding concerns regarding ballot mismanagement and encourages higher voter participation. Notably, it also includes provisions for notifying voters about the status of their ballots via email or text, ensuring that voters are informed throughout the absentee voting process.

Summary

Senate Bill 339, also known as the Absent Voter Ballot Tracking Act, seeks to enhance the transparency and accessibility of the absentee voting process in Michigan. The bill mandates the establishment of an electronic tracking system that enables voters to monitor the status of their absentee ballot applications and ballots via a website or mobile application. This initiative aims to improve voters' confidence in the electoral process by providing real-time updates about their absentee ballots, including application acceptance, mailing statuses, and any issues that may arise during the voting process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 339 appears to be largely positive, particularly among voter advocacy groups and proponents of electoral reform. Many see the bill as a necessary step towards increasing voter trust and engagement in the electoral system. However, there are concerns voiced by some lawmakers regarding potential implementation challenges and data privacy issues, especially pertaining to the handling of voters' personal information within the tracking system.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the privacy implications of the electronic tracking system, as critics question the security of voters' data and the potential for misuse of personal information. Additionally, some lawmakers raised concerns about the administrative burden that might be imposed on local election officials tasked with managing the new tracking system. Ultimately, while SB 339 aims to modernize absentee voting, its rollout will need to carefully address these issues to ensure successful implementation and public acceptance.