This bill amends Michigan election law to enhance voter registration and eligibility processes, particularly focusing on the verification of U.S. citizenship. It introduces the definition of a "federal-only voter," which refers to applicants whose citizenship has not been verified and who can only vote in federal elections. The Secretary of State is mandated to automatically register individuals who provide documentation of U.S. citizenship when applying for or changing their driver's licenses or state identification cards. The bill also establishes procedures for notifying individuals of their registration status and allows them to decline registration while ensuring confidentiality of their information. Additionally, it designates certain state agencies as automatic voter registration agencies and includes provisions for automatically registering individuals released from incarceration, provided they meet eligibility criteria.

The bill further clarifies requirements for voter registration applications, emphasizing the need for a statement confirming U.S. citizenship and detailing the verification process. It mandates the Secretary of State to verify citizenship using existing databases and allows applicants to provide satisfactory evidence to expedite this process. Notably, if citizenship cannot be verified, the applicant's name will still be included in the qualified voter file as a "federal-only voter." The bill also establishes an inactive voter file for individuals who do not vote for six consecutive years, while ensuring they remain eligible to vote. Additionally, it mandates the development of an electronic voter registration interface for online applications and includes provisions to protect personal information from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the voter registration process while maintaining the integrity and security of voter information.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 168.493
House Introduced Bill: 168.493
As Passed by the House: 168.493