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HB 5576

Elections: petitions; statistical random sampling of petition signatures for petitions to form a new political party; provide for. Amends sec. 685 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.685).

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Andrews and 18 co-sponsors

HB 5576 lets Michigan's Board of State Canvassers use approved statistical random-sampling to verify signatures for forming a new state political party.

vetoed by the Governor 01/17/2025
#elections:electionofficials #elections:petitions #stateagencies(existing):state
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Bill Summary · HB 5576

Summary — HB 5576 (House Bill 5576, H-2): Elections — petitions; new political party petition review and form requirements

Status: Vetoed by the Governor (presented 01/08/2025; vetoed 01/17/2025). Introduced March 13–14, 2024. Amends: MCL 168.685.

Main purpose

HB 5576 would revise Michigan’s statutory requirements and canvass process for petitions to form a new state political party. The bill (1) updates petition form and circulation rules, (2) authorizes the Board of State Canvassers (BSC) to use an approved statistical random‑sampling methodology to review signatures, and (3) clarifies filing timelines, signature thresholds, and penalties for fraudulent or improper petition signatures.

Key provisions and specifics

  • Qualification thresholds

    • Requires petitions containing signatures equal to at least 1% of the total votes cast for governor in the last gubernatorial election.
    • Petitions must include at least 100 registered electors in each of at least one‑half of Michigan’s congressional districts.
    • All signatures must be collected within 180 days immediately before filing.

  • Filing deadlines and certification

    • Chair and secretary of the party’s state central committee must file a certificate and the petitions with the Secretary of State no later than 4:00 p.m. on the 110th day before the general November election.

  • Canvass and sampling

    • The BSC may adopt and use a statistical random‑sampling methodology, as approved by the BSC, to determine the validity and sufficiency of signatures and petition form compliance.
    • The BSC must make an official declaration of petition sufficiency or insufficiency no later than 60 days before the general November election.

  • Petition form and print requirements

    • Prescribes that petitions be “substantially” in a specified form (includes warning language, signature table, and required circulation text).
    • Size: 8½" × 13". Type size examples: petition title and party name in 24‑point bold; “warning” and warning text in 12‑point bold (the bill specifies the petition must be “substantially” as set forth).

  • Conduct and penalties

    • Prohibits knowingly signing a petition to organize more than one new state political party or signing more than once (misdemeanor).
    • Makes signing with a name other than one’s own or signing multiple names a felony (for certain subsections).
    • Any signature by a person violating these provisions is invalid and must not be counted.

  • Circulation

    • Authorizes countywide circulation on SOS‑prescribed forms.

  • Contingency/tie‑in

    • The bill contains an enactment clause: it would not take effect unless companion bills (House Bills 5571, 5572, and 5573) are also enacted.

Who would be affected

  • Prospective new political parties and their organizers (must meet thresholds and form requirements).
  • Petition circulators and signers (subject to certification, warnings, and criminal penalties).
  • Secretary of State and the Bureau of Elections (responsible for forms, templates, and implementation).
  • Board of State Canvassers (new authority to adopt and use random‑sampling canvass methods).
  • Potential downstream effects on law enforcement, the Attorney General, and courts where fraudulent signatures are referred or prosecuted (noted as potential fiscal impacts in committee analyses).

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Key numeric deadlines: signatures collected within 180 days; filing by 110 days before the general election; BSC determination by 60 days before the general election.
  • Legislative history: introduced March 2024; passed House (6/26/24) and Senate (12/19/24); enrolled 12/23/24; presented to the Governor 01/08/25; vetoed 01/17/25.
  • Because of the veto, the bill did not become law.

Potential impacts (committee findings)

  • Administrative: could reduce Department of State staff workload by allowing sampling rather than full signature verification.
  • Legal/criminal justice: could increase investigations, prosecutions, and related costs if more fraudulent signatures are referred and pursued.
  • Local clerks: minimal/negligible changes in administrative time for verifying signatures if needed.

This summary focuses on the provisions specific to petitions to form a new political party (MCL 168.685) as amended by HB 5576 (H‑2).

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

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