HB 5987 Summary

• Extends the deadline for counting absent voter ballots from the close of polls on election day to 48 hours after the close of polls, provided the return envelope is postmarked before or on election day.

• Requires city and township clerks to transmit results of absent voter ballots tabulated after election day to the board of county canvassers no later than the third day after election day.

• Updates instructions for absent voters to reflect the new 48-hour receipt deadline and postmark requirement for ballot counting eligibility.

• Changes mandatory language from "shall" to "must" throughout the election law provisions for consistency in legal drafting.

• Corrects capitalization of federal agency names including Department of Defense and official names of uniformed services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, etc.).