The bill amends Michigan's election law, specifically section 509aa, to update the procedures for handling changes of address for registered voters. It allows clerks to utilize change of address information from the United States Postal Service or other reliable sources to identify voters whose addresses may have changed. If a clerk receives reliable information indicating that a registered elector has moved, they are required to send a notice and a postage prepaid return card to the elector, allowing them to verify or correct their address. The timeframe for returning this card has been reduced from 30 days to 15 days before the next election, and failure to return the card may result in the elector being required to vote in their former precinct.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for handling cases where a registered elector is believed to have moved out of state. The Secretary of State will send a similar notice and return card if they receive information indicating a change of residence, including instances where an elector has not voted for 20 years. The bill also emphasizes that any prior absent voter ballot applications will be rescinded, and a new application must be submitted for future elections. Overall, these changes aim to streamline the process of maintaining accurate voter registration records and ensure that voters are informed of their registration status.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 168.509