H.B. 4448 (H-2): COMMITTEE SUMMARY - ABSENTEE BALLOT

House Bill 4448 (Substitute H-2 as passed by the House)

Sponsor: Representative Agnes Dobronski

House Committee: Local Government

Senate Committee: Government Operations

Date Completed: 2-3-98

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Election Law to specify that an absent voter would be a qualified and registered elector who wished to vote without attending the polls on the day of an election; and remove existing requirements that a voter must meet to vote by absentee ballot.

Currently, under the Election Law, to qualify to vote by absentee ballot, a voter must be 60 years old or older, or meet one of the following requirements: the voter is absent, or expects to be absent, from his or her township or city for the entire time the polls are open on election day; the voter cannot attend the polls without assistance because of a physical disability; the voter is confined to jail awaiting arraignment or trial; the voter cannot attend the polls because of the tenets of his or her religion; or the voter is an election inspector in another precinct. The bill would delete these provisions.

Currently, an application for an absent voter ballot may be made by a signed written request, by an absent voter ballot application form provided by the local election clerk, or by a Federal postcard application. The bill provides that the written request, application form, or Federal postcard could be returned to the clerk in person, by mail, or by facsimile transmission.

The bill includes an effective date of December 31, 1997.

MCL 168.758 & 168.759 - Legislative Analyst: G. Towne

FISCAL IMPACT

Because the actual increase in cost would depend on the number of voters who chose to use absentee ballots, the actual cost is indeterminate. There would be no fiscal impact on the State. However, there could be a minimal increase in costs to local units.

- Fiscal Analyst: E. LimbsS9798\S4448SA

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.