MI HB5297

Allows absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters to apply for voter registration and absent voter ballots using federal postcard applications or applications from the official U.S. Department of Defense website.

Requires county, city, township, and village clerks to electronically transmit blank voter registration and absent voter ballot applications upon request, and to accept completed applications submitted electronically by absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters.

Permits absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters to receive absent voter ballots through electronic transmission, with the voter printing the ballot and returning it by mail; requires the Secretary of State to prescribe electronic ballot formats and transmission methods.

Requires city, village, and township clerks to submit written statements to county clerks 45 days before each election confirming compliance with absent voter ballot procedures for uniformed services and overseas voters, with county clerks reporting to the state bureau of elections 42 days before elections.

Establishes that absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters may use the federal write-in absentee ballot to vote for local, state, and federal offices and ballot questions, with the state bureau of elections making ballot formats and election information available electronically.