MI
Michigan House Bill HB4463

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB4463

Introduced
5/6/25  

Caption

Elections: election officials; review of voter registration instructions; require. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding sec. 495b.

Impact

By instituting this requirement, HB4463 strives to eliminate any ambiguity regarding citizenship eligibility for voters in Michigan. This could lead to a reduction in incorrectly registered voters, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. Additionally, the bill specifies that during the review, the Secretary of State must consult with an expert on the usability of governmental forms, indicating a commitment to making the voter registration process more user-friendly and understandable for all potential voters.

Summary

House Bill 4463 aims to amend Michigan's election law, specifically revising provisions for voter registration applications. The bill mandates that the Secretary of State review the voter registration form instructions at least once before each even-year general November election. This review is intended to ensure that the forms clearly outline the requirement of United States citizenship for voter registration, emphasizing that individuals who do not meet this requirement should refrain from registering to vote. The bill seeks to enhance clarity and compliance regarding voter registration processes within the state.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at enhancing the clarity of voter registration instructions, it may also spark debates about accessibility and voter suppression. Critics could argue that emphasizing citizenship could deter eligible voters who might need assistance in navigating the registration process. Furthermore, the involvement of an expert suggests a focus on the usability of forms, which could imply previous concerns over how effectively the current voter registration processes are communicated to Michigan residents. This aspect of the bill may become a focal point of contention, particularly among groups advocating for voter rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MI HB4210

Elections: absent voters; electronic return of absent voter ballots by military voters and their spouses; provide for. Amends sec. 759a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.759a) & repeals sec. 18a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.18a).

MI HB4983

Elections: registration; automatic voter registration; modify. Amends secs. 493a, 500a & 501 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.493a et seq.) & adds sec. 493b. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4569'23

MI HB4872

Elections: election officials; secretary of state to send each elector a notice every 10 years to verify the elector’s address information; require. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding sec. 515a.

MI HB4129

Elections: offenses; intimidating an election official or preventing an election official from performing the election official's duties; prohibit. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding sec. 931b.

MI SB0594

Elections: registration; online voter registration process; modify. Amends sec. 509ii of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.509ii).

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 HB4033

Elections: special elections; state to reimburse costs for certain special elections; require. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding sec. 634b.

MI SB0385

Elections: election officials; electronically submitting precinct election inspector applications; allow. Amends sec. 677 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.677).

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 HB4875

Elections: election officials; procedure to remove certain electors listed on the qualified voter file who have not recently voted; provide for. Amends sec. 509bb of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.509bb).

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.