ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION; MODIFY S.B. 594:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 594 (as reported without amendment)
Committee: Elections and Ethics
CONTENT
The bill would amend Chapter XXIII (Registration of Electors) of the Michigan Election Law to allow an individual to register to vote through the electronic voter registration interface by providing the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number and other identifying information. Currently, an application through the interface can only be made with a driver's license or State identification card. Additionally, the bill would require the Secretary of State (SOS) to develop a process for an applicant to submit an electronic signature through the interface.
The bill would take effect on June 30, 2025.
BRIEF RATIONALE
In 2018, Public Act 350 allowed individuals to register to vote online; however, an individual must have a valid Michigan license or official State personal identification (ID) card to register. To receive a license or State ID, an individual must visit an SOS office in-person. These requirements may prevent some individuals, especially elderly or disabled individuals, from being able to register to vote online. Accordingly, it has been suggested that the methods of verifying identity for the online voting portal be expanded.
Legislative Analyst: Abby Schneider
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill could have a minimal fiscal impact on the Department of State due to programming costs associated with the proposed changes; however, the Department's annual appropriations should be sufficient to absorb any additional costs.
Date Completed: 10-27-23 Fiscal Analyst: Joe Carrasco, Jr.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.