Senate Bill 1398 Summary

• Allows electors to apply for absent voter ballots during the 75 days before a primary or election, with applications due by 2 p.m. on the Saturday before the election.

• Requires applicants to provide one of three forms of identification: Michigan driver's license or personal ID number, last four digits of social security number, or a copy of current photo ID, military ID, or recent utility bill/government document showing name and address.

• Restricts possession of signed absent voter ballot applications to the applicant, immediate family members, household residents, mail handlers, authorized registered electors, or election officials.

• Requires registered electors returning applications on behalf of applicants to sign a certificate attesting they did not solicit the return, make markings, alter the application, or influence the applicant.

• Establishes penalties including misdemeanor charges for false statements on applications, felony charges for forged signatures, and misdemeanor charges for unauthorized persons who both distribute and return absent voter ballot applications.