VOTER INSTRUCTIONS/BALLOT FORM                                                     H.B. 4992 (S-2):

                                                                                                      FLOOR SUMMARY

House Bill 4992 (Substitute S-2 as reported)

Sponsor:  Representative Eileen Kowall

House Committee:  Redistricting and Elections

Senate Committee:  Local Government and Elections

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Election Law to do the following:

-- Require voting instructions to be printed on each ballot secrecy sleeve or contained in a pocket on the front of the sleeve, rather than printed on each ballot.

-- Prescribe voter instructions for primary, general, nonpartisan, and special elections, and provide that these would be the only instructions that could be given to an elector.

-- Eliminate provisions prescribing the form of a ballot and listing of candidates' names, and instead require ballots to be prepared as prescribed by the Secretary of State based upon the voting equipment used in each county.

-- Require instructions concerning the method of voting to be included with each absent voter ballot furnished to an absent voter.

-- In 2012 only, require the State convention of all political parties to commence at least 58 days before the general November election, rather than 60 days.

The bill also would repeal a section prescribing the manner in which an elector must mark a ballot.

MCL 168.560 et al.                                                        Legislative Analyst:  Julie Cassidy

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State government.

Local election clerks' offices could realize an increase in costs due to the requirement that each ballot have voting instructions included with the ballot.  In addition, there are provisions in the bill that would require the instructions to be replaced under certain circumstances.  The exact amount of costs is indeterminate and would depend on the number of elections held.

Date Completed:  5-4-12                                                     Fiscal Analyst:  Joe Carrasco

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.