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SB 1054

Elections: absent voters; no reason absentee voting; eliminate, and require electors to provide a reason to vote an absent voter ballot. Amends secs. 2, 509aa, 759, 759a & 761 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.2 et seq.); adds sec. 758 & repeals secs. 6, 759e, 759f & 759g of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.6 et seq).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Bellino and 4 co-sponsors

The bill ends no-reason absentee voting, requires a qualifying reason for absent ballots, and tightens issuance, verification, and electronic options for absent voters.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ELECTIONS AND ETHICS
#elections:absentvoters #elections:electionofficials #stateagencies(existing):state
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Bill Summary · SB 1054

Overview

SB 1054 proposes to eliminate no-reason absentee voting in Michigan and require electors to provide a statutory reason to vote an absent voter ballot. The bill would amend and repeal several sections of the Michigan election law (Revised Statutes of 1954, PA 116). It also adds new definitions and procedures for absent voters, including specific rules for absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters.

Main purpose and intent

  • End no-reason absentee voting and require voters to demonstrate a qualifying reason to obtain an absent voter ballot.
  • Update and streamline absent voter processes, including how applications are submitted, how ballots are issued, and how ballots returned.
  • Implement new or revised rules for security, verification, and administration of absent voter ballots, including signature verification and process integrity.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Sec. 2):
    • Clarifies terms such as “absent voter,” “absent voter ballot,” “ballot container,” “identification for election purposes,” and others to align with the act’s framework.
  • Absent voter eligibility (Sec. 758):
    • Establishes who qualifies as an absent voter, listing criteria such as disability, religious reasons, being an election precinct inspector in another precinct, age 60+, absence from the municipality during polls, or jail confinement awaiting arraignment/trial.
    • States that the eligibility does not apply to individuals who have moved outside the state.
  • Absent voter ballot applications (Sec. 759):
    • Allows absent voters to apply for an absent voter ballot through multiple channels (written request, formal absent voter ballot application form, federal postcard application, or online application).
    • Specifies acceptable submission methods (mail/email, online, in person, or on election day with conditions).
    • Requires signature on the application; digital signatures may be accepted if compatible with Michigan records.
    • Provides for “auto-send” options to cover all future elections with a single application.
    • Addresses in-person issuance and same-day processes, including conditions around registration and address changes.
    • Requires notice and cure provisions if signatures do not match or are missing; includes timelines for cure and removal if not satisfied.
    • Mandates that a warning be included: prior absent voter ballot applications can be rescinded if a new one is not submitted.
    • Includes presidential primary-specific procedures for party ballot selection when applicable.
    • Expands delivery options to allow mailing to non-registration addresses or P.O. Boxes, with limitations.
    • Sets forth duties for clerks and supplies, including sample language for applications and instructions.
  • Absent voter ballot issuance, return, and counting (Secs. 761, 764a, etc.):
    • Outlines the process for determining voter eligibility, signature verification, and timely distribution of ballots.
    • Mandates that ballots be mailed or delivered to the applicant with a prepaid return envelope.
    • Establishes in-person issuance rules near election deadlines, including special provisions for those in line at certain cutoff times.
    • Provides detailed return envelope statements and certifications to be signed by absent voters and helpers.
    • Sets rules for assisting voters and limitations on who may possess an absent voter ballot.
    • Addresses the treatment of signatures, cure deadlines, and potential penalties for false statements or forged signatures.
    • Includes conditions for program participants and address confidentiality participants.
  • Uniformed services and overseas voters (Sec. 759a):
    • Maintains federal-style processes (FPTA) for absent uniformed services and overseas voters, including electronic transmission and the option for electronic return beginning in 2025.
    • Allows eligible overseas voters to receive ballots and registration forms electronically, with rules governing processing, timing, and validation.
    • Establishes notice and reporting requirements for clerks regarding compliance with absent uniformed services and overseas voting laws.
  • Electronic transmission and signatures (Sec. 765-766a and related sections):
    • Enables online absent voter applications and the use of stored or manual digital signatures.
    • Requires identity verification for online signatures and outlines cure processes if signatures are invalid.
    • Provides rules for electronic transmission of ballots for certain categories of voters and conditions for secrecy and security.
  • Repeals and enacting sections:
    • Enacting section and repeal of several existing sections (including parts of secs. 6, 759e, 759f, 759g) to align with the new framework.

Who would be affected

  • Registered electors who currently vote absent voter ballots (absent voters) and those who may apply for absent voting under the new “reason-based” framework.
  • Voters who previously relied on no-reason absentee voting (if the bill changes or narrows eligibility).
  • Clerks of municipalities (cities, towns, and counties) responsible for processing absent voter applications, issuing ballots, collecting returns, and reporting compliance.
  • Absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters, who would have updated procedures for applying, receiving, and returning ballots (including potential electronic transmission/return options starting in 2025).
  • Program participants under address confidentiality programs (with confidential handling of absent voter ballots).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill references specific deadlines, including:
    • Cure deadlines for signatures: cure by 4 p.m. on the fourth day before the election.
    • Mail-out timelines: issuance of absent voter ballots promptly after verification, with constraints on mailing after certain cutoffs.
    • For absent uniformed services/overseas voters: timelines for electronic transmission and the 45 days-before deadlines for sending ballots to eligible voters (as applicable).
  • Electronic signatures and storage:
    • Introduces stored digital signatures from the Secretary of State’s records (e.g., from the motor vehicle database) and allows uploading a handwritten digital signature if no stored signature exists.
    • Requires verification and privacy protections for digital signatures and electronic ballot return.
  • Presidential primary considerations:
    • Requires presidential primary absent voter ballot procedures to specify party ballot selections, with separate forms for changing selections.
  • Repeals and amendments:
    • Repeals certain existing sections (6, 759e, 759f, 759g) and enacts new provisions to restructure absent voting.
  • Reporting and compliance:
    • Municipal clerks must report compliance and remedial actions; counties must compile and forward reports to the State Bureau of Elections.

Note: The bill’s action history shows introduction and referral to the Senate Committee on Elections and Ethics (as of 2026-06-23). If enacted, full implementation would depend on committee review, potential amendments, and eventual passage by the Legislature and signature by the governor.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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