HB 5978 Summary

• Allows electors to vote for candidates from multiple political parties in primary elections by permitting split or mixed-ticket voting, reversing the previous restriction to single-party ballots.

• Modifies primary election ballot language to indicate voters "may" rather than "cannot" split tickets and removes language stating ballots with votes across parties would be rejected.

• Removes electronic tabulating equipment requirements that rejected ballots containing votes for candidates from more than one political party in primary elections.

• Establishes procedures for clarifying designations (occupation, date of birth, or residence) to appear on ballots when candidates have same or similar surnames, with guidelines issued by the board of state canvassers.

• Repeals MCL 168.564, which previously governed primary election ballot requirements and restrictions on split-ticket voting.