EARLY IN-PERSON ABSENTEE VOTING

WITHOUT PROVIDING A REASON

House Bill 4569

Sponsor:  Rep. Chris Ward

Committee:  House Oversight, Elections, and Ethics

Complete to 4-11-05

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4569 AS INTRODUCED 3-24-05

House Bill 4569 would amend the Michigan Election Law to allow for early in-person absentee voting without providing a reason during the seven days preceding a primary or election.

Under the bill, a qualified or registered elector who appeared at the city, township, or village clerk's office at any time during the seven days preceding a primary or election (excepting Sunday or a legal holiday), but not later than 4 p.m. on the day before the election, could complete an absent voter ballot application, receive a ballot, and vote the ballot in the clerk's office without having to provide a reason.  After receiving and voting the ballot, the absent voter would be required to personally submit the ballot to the clerk (or a designated assistant clerk) in a signed and dated return envelope.  The absent voter would have to establish identification by presenting a Michigan drivers license, state identification card, other government-issued photo identification card, or a photo identification card issued by a state university or community college.  If a city, township, or village clerk's office did not maintain regular business hours during the seven days preceding a primary or election, a registered voter could apply and vote at the county clerk's office.

A person who made a false statement in the ballot application would be guilty of a misdemeanor.  A person who forged a signature would be guilty of a felony. 

MCL 168.758 and 168.764b

FISCAL IMPACT:

This bill would have little or no fiscal impact on the Department of State.  Any necessary workload changes caused by the bill can be absorbed by the department.  The impact for local governments concerning any additional administrative costs is indeterminate at this time. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Viola Wild

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.