The bill amends section 558 of the Michigan election law, requiring candidates to file an affidavit of identity when submitting a nominating petition, qualifying petition, filing fee, or affidavit of candidacy for various offices. The bill specifies that candidates must file this affidavit no later than one business day after being nominated at a political party convention or caucus, with the exception of candidates for President or Vice President of the United States. The affidavit must include the candidate's name, residential address, citizenship status, the title of the office sought, political party affiliation (if applicable), and other relevant information. Notably, if a candidate is running for a nonpartisan office, they are not required to indicate their political party affiliation.

Additionally, the bill introduces several clarifications regarding name changes and the requirements for the affidavit of identity. It stipulates that candidates must provide a signed and notarized statement confirming compliance with campaign finance laws and acknowledges that false statements in the affidavit constitute perjury, punishable by a fine or imprisonment. The bill also outlines the process for handling affidavits filed with officers other than the county clerk or secretary of state and establishes that candidates must select one office if they file for multiple offices with overlapping terms. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in disqualification from appearing on the ballot.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 168.558
House Introduced Bill: 168.558
As Passed by the House: 168.558