Bill
HB 4463
Requires the Secretary of State to biennially review voter registration instructions to clearly state U.S. citizenship and that non-citizens must not register, with usability input.
Status & timeline
- Introduced: March 11, 2025 (Rep. Mai Xiong, with multiple co-sponsors).
- Passed both chambers in May 2025; enrolled and sent to Governor.
- Signed by Governor: June 20, 2025.
- Effective date: September 1, 2025.
- Statutory change: Adds section 495b to the Michigan Election Law (1954 PA 116, MCL 168.1–168.992).
Purpose
- To require the Michigan Secretary of State to periodically review the instructions on the voter registration application so the form clearly explains the U.S. citizenship requirement for registration and informs non‑citizens that they must not register to vote. The aim is to reduce confusion and inadvertent non‑citizen registrations by improving the clarity and usability of registration instructions.
Key provisions
- Biennial review timing: The Secretary of State must, at least once before each even‑year November general election (i.e., prior to each biennial general election), review the voter registration application instructions.
- Content requirements: The review must ensure the application instructions both
- describe the United States citizenship requirement for voter registration, and
- inform any individual who does not meet the citizenship requirement that they must not register to vote.
- Usability consultation: In performing the review, the Secretary of State must consult with an expert on the usability of election or governmental forms/instructions.
Who is affected
- Secretary of State — primary duty to perform reviews and implement any clarifying changes to the application text (including printed and online forms).
- Local election officials and agencies that distribute or rely on the state registration application (may receive revised instructions/forms).
- Voter registration applicants — clearer instructions intended to help eligible citizens register and to prevent non‑citizens from mistakenly registering.
Administrative impact and enforcement
- Largely procedural/administrative: the bill mandates review and consultation but does not create penalties or enforcement mechanisms.
- Potential operational effects include staff time to conduct reviews, contracting or consulting with a usability expert, and revising/redesigning forms and web content as needed.
Considerations
- The requirement focuses on clarity about citizenship status; it does not change eligibility law or add verification procedures.
- Implementation choices (language, placement, prominence) will determine how effectively the change reduces inadvertent non‑citizen registrations while avoiding discouragement of eligible voters.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
