The bill amends section 558 of the Michigan election law to update the requirements for candidates filing nominating petitions, qualifying petitions, filing fees, or affidavits of candidacy for various offices. It mandates that candidates submit two copies of an affidavit of identity, which must include their name, residential address, citizenship status, the title of the office sought, political party affiliation (if applicable), and other relevant information. Notably, the bill specifies that candidates nominated at political party conventions or caucuses must file their affidavit of identity no later than one business day after nomination, and it clarifies that this requirement does not apply to candidates for President or Vice President of the United States.

Additionally, the bill introduces several changes to the affidavit of identity requirements, including the need for candidates to indicate their political party affiliation if running for a partisan office and to provide their precinct number if applicable. It also stipulates that candidates must include 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 of up to $1,000. The bill further 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, or risk disqualification.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 168.558