MI SB0052

Changes polling hours on election day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (previously "7 o'clock in the forenoon" to "8 o'clock in the afternoon") and allows qualified electors in line at closing time to vote.

Establishes early voting beginning 15 days before regular elections and 8 days before special elections, ending the day before the election, at polling places designated by city, township, or village clerks.

Requires early voting polls to be open at least 7 hours on weekdays and at least 3 hours on Saturdays during the early voting period, with hours posted at the clerk's office and notice provided to electors.

Requires early voters to provide identification per section 523 and complete an early voter certificate certifying eligibility and understanding that voting fraud is punishable by up to 4 years imprisonment or $2,000 fine.

Early voting ballots are processed the same as election day ballots and counted only after polls close on election day; poll books for early voting must be divided by date with separate records maintained for each voting day.