MI HB5012

Requires candidates petitioning for recounts to allege a good-faith belief that but for fraud or mistake, they would have had a reasonable chance of winning the election.

Allows candidates to petition for recounts without specific allegations of wrongdoing if evidence is unavailable, requiring only general allegations of fraud or mistake.

Enables state political party chairpersons to petition for recounts in state senatorial races decided by 500 votes or less, or state representative races decided by 200 votes or less, without alleging fraud or mistake.

Sets 48-hour filing deadline for recount petitions following completion of the canvass, with special timing rules for state legislative districts and special elections.

Requires the board of state canvassers to preserve ballots in recounted precincts until any legislative contest is disposed of under legislative body rules.