Senate Bill 964 (2025-2026, Michigan) amends the Michigan Election Law (PA 116 of 1954) by updating and adding provisions related to voting procedures, voter access, and election administration. The bill also repeals a current provision (Sec. 579) and ties into SBs 961 and 963. It introduces new notice and reporting requirements for local governments, expands permissible voting assistance, clarifies voter access at polling sites, and creates new processes around election-related auditing, voting equipment viewing, and early voting logistics. Several sections take effect only if accompanying bills (SB 961 and SB 963) are enacted.
Section 653c: Local governments must notify the Secretary of State (SOS) within 20 days after governing body approves certain changes:
- Change in method of determining winners.
- Move between at-large and district-based elections (and vice versa).
- Governmental reorganizations affecting municipal structure (home rule cities, charter townships, home rule villages).
- SOS must post notices within 5 days of receipt; postings must be accessible to individuals with disabilities and limited English proficiency.
- If a notice is not submitted, the SOS must publicly list the failure and details on a non-archived portion of the SOS website, with a 1-year retention for the violation.
Section 653c (additional): 20-day pre-notice requirement before a clerk begins removing electors from registration (excluding routine deletions such as death, ineligibility, or removal under specific sections). Similar posting and accessibility requirements, plus the same violation-tracking mechanism and a 1-year retention.
Section 653c (emergency): Temporary suspension of notice requirements during a state of emergency, with reinstatement after.
Section 653d: Local governments must notify SOS about:
- When they will view/inspect/obtain copies of voting equipment or ballots (thresholds apply).
- Approval/denial of organizations or committees authorized to appoint challengers (30 days prior to election or as specified).
- Challenges to elector registrations.
- SOS to post notices within 5 days of receipt; similar violation-tracking and emergency-suspension provisions as 653c. Effective January 1, 2028; pre-2028 guidance to be informed by consultations with clerks and voting rights advocates.
Section 653e: SOS notice requirements for changes to polling places (excluding ballot drop boxes), voting hours/days (including early voting), absent voting hours/locations, early voting plans, election audits, voting system selections, absent voter counting boards, and redistricting actions within a local government. Posting within 5 days; accessibility provisions; emergency suspension provisions; and a 2028 effective date with pre-2028 consultations.
Section 726: Ballots generally must be delivered only by election inspectors within the polling place (absent-voter ballots exempt).
Section 726a: Voting assistance protocol:
- If a voter cannot enter the polling place or early voting site and requests assistance, counties/cities/townships must provide assistance per subsection (3).
- A conspicuous sign outside the polling place/early voting site must offer a phone number for voting assistance.
- When a voter outside the polling place requests assistance, two election inspectors from different parties must handle ballots in a manner that preserves secrecy and integrity; if ballot is accepted, one inspector confirms acceptance; if rejected, two inspectors offer the voter a spoiled ballot option and a new ballot.
- Voting assistance rules apply with existing rights unless otherwise provided.
Section 736: Election inspectors must, upon determining a voter is qualified, provide the appropriate ballot; describe and number ballots sequentially; allow explanations and interpreter support if needed. Restrictions on outside assistance remain consistent with current law.
Section 751: If a voter cannot mark their ballot, two election inspectors must assist; blind voters may be assisted by a family member or a designated adult; language assistance may be sought by the elector starting from the effective date of the amendatory act.
Section 753a: Prohibits interference by third parties while assisting voters; permits individuals to provide food, warmth, or necessities to electors in line, but requires non-interference with voting and compliance with clerk directions if interference is suspected. Clerk may order cessation if necessary to maintain order.
Enacting section 1: Repeals Sec. 579 of PA 116 (MCL 168.579).
Enacting section 2: The act’s effective date is contingent on the enactment of SB 961 and SB 963.
