WeVote

Bill

Bill

SB 697

Elections: petitions; signature requirements for qualifying petitions; modify. Amends sec. 544f of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.544f).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dayna Polehanki and 2 co-sponsors

SB 697 modifies Michigan's petition signature requirements for ballot initiatives, affecting citizens' direct democracy access and measure qualification standards.

referred to Committee on Election Integrity
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 697

Legislative bill overview

SB 697 would modify Michigan's petition signature requirements for ballot initiatives and referendums under the 1954 Michigan Election Law. The bill specifically amends MCL 168.544f, which governs the collection and verification of signatures needed to qualify measures for the ballot. The exact changes are not detailed in the available information, as the bill was only recently introduced and referred to committee.

Why is this important

Petition signature requirements directly affect citizens' ability to place ballot measures before voters, making this a fundamental question about direct democracy access. Changes to these thresholds can either facilitate grassroots participation or create barriers that advantage well-funded campaigns. Michigan's signature requirements have been contentious, as they determine whether citizen-led initiatives on issues like healthcare, education, or governance can reach the ballot.

Potential points of contention

  • Signature threshold changes: Lowering requirements could enable more ballot measures but risk cluttering ballots; raising them could reduce citizen-led initiatives
  • Verification procedures: Modifications to how signatures are validated affects costs and feasibility for grassroots organizers versus established groups
  • Timeline provisions: Changes to collection deadlines or verification windows could impact small volunteer campaigns disproportionately

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

Sign in to ask a question.