The bill amends Michigan election law to improve the automatic voter registration process by requiring the Secretary of State to automatically register individuals who qualify as electors and provide documentation of U.S. citizenship when they apply for or change their address on specific identification cards. It establishes procedures for notifying individuals about their registration status and allows them to decline registration while ensuring their information remains confidential. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of designated state agencies and includes provisions for registering individuals released from incarceration, emphasizing that those not eligible to vote will not be registered.

Key insertions in the bill include the requirement for documentation proving U.S. citizenship for voter registration and the establishment of procedures for preregistration. It clarifies that individuals who are incarcerated should not be registered until they are released, and it mandates the Secretary of State to develop an electronic voter registration interface for online applications. Additionally, the bill ensures that certain voter registration information, including evidence of U.S. citizenship, remains confidential and is not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the voter registration process while maintaining the integrity of voter eligibility.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 168.493