The bill amends the Michigan election law, specifically sections 795 and 795a, to enhance the requirements and regulations surrounding electronic voting systems. Key changes include the stipulation that electronic voting systems must ensure voting secrecy, utilize paper ballots for tabulation, and allow voters to cast their votes for the appropriate number of candidates and offices. Additionally, the bill mandates that electronic tabulating equipment must be capable of rejecting ballots that exceed the allowed number of choices or contain invalid votes. New provisions also require that electronic voting systems acquired after January 1, 2026, must not include any components from entities listed as having covered communications equipment or services by the Federal Communications Commission.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the approval process for electronic voting systems, which must be certified by the board of state canvassers and meet specific performance standards. Vendors seeking approval are required to pay application fees, provide a list of states where their systems are approved, and submit maintenance agreements. The board of state canvassers is tasked with conducting field tests of new systems to assess their performance in simulated election conditions. If a system is found to no longer meet the requirements, it may be disapproved and cannot be used in elections unless reapproved. Overall, the bill aims to improve the integrity, accessibility, and security of electronic voting in Michigan.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 168.795