COUNTY ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEMS

House Bill 5667

Sponsor:  Rep. Lisa Posthumus Lyons

Committee:  Elections and Ethics

Complete to 9-29-14

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5667 AS INTRODUCED 6-12-14

House Bill 5667 would amend the Michigan Election Law to clarify the way in which Michigan's 83 county clerks can select a unified voting system for their respective counties.

Beginning on the effective date of the bill, if enacted, the Secretary of State would have to allow a county clerk—in consultation with the clerk of each city, township, and village located in that county—to determine which electronic voting system would be used in that county.  The electronic voting system selected would have to meet two criteria:  (1) be the same type of electronic voting system as the uniform voting system; and (2) be approved and certified as provided in Section 795a of the Michigan Election Law.  For a description of the certification process, see:

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(5anjxu55ytjsd43bil013vaj))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-168-795a

The bill also would modify the definition of "uniform voting system."  Currently it reads: "the voting system that is used at all elections in every election precinct throughout the state."  The bill would make the definition read:  "the type of voting system that is used for all elections in every election precinct throughout the state."

MCL 168.4 et al

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill's fiscal impact on the state and local units of government cannot be determined at this time.  The Department of State is commencing the process for replacement of electronic voting equipment that is reaching the end of its useful life; no request for proposals has yet been issued.  The Department of State reports that functional specifications have not yet been developed; thus, it is not known what systems or equipment may be utilized or at what cost. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                 Fiscal Analysts:   Marilyn Peterson      

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.