ABSENT OVERSEAS VOTER BALLOTS S.B. 259 (S-1):
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 259 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Committee: Elections and Ethics
CONTENT
The bill would amend Chapter 28 (Holding of Elections) of the Michigan Election Law to do all the following:
-- Modify the timeline for the return of absent uniformed services voter and overseas voter ballots postmarked on or before election day to agree with changes made to the timeline by Proposal 22-2.
-- Require each city or township clerk to submit the results of absent overseas voter ballots tabulated after the election to the board of county canvassers of the county in which that city or township was located within seven day after an election.
-- Modify the instructions included on an absent ballot to reflect the changes proposed by the bill.
BRIEF RATIONALE
Absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters may vote in local, State, and Federal elections through the absent ballot system; however, postal delays may prevent absent overseas voter ballots from reaching an election clerk by the counting deadline. In November 2022, Proposal 2 addressed this concern by amending the State Constitution to extend the ballot receipt deadline for absent uniformed services and overseas voter ballots. With several municipalities holding elections in May, August, and November, it has been suggested that the Law be amended to reflect the provisions of Proposal 2.
Legislative Analyst: Abby Schneider
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 4-13-23 Fiscal Analyst: Joe Carrasco, Jr.
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.