SB 0078 Summary

• Requires ballot marking instructions to be printed directly on ballots for primary, general, nonpartisan, and special elections rather than on separate secrecy sleeves or in clear plastic pockets.

• Specifies that ballots must contain standardized voting instructions including directions to darken ovals or boxes, pen color requirements (black or blue ink only), and warnings about overvoting and write-in procedures.

• Mandates that defaced or marked ballot materials (sleeves or instruction sheets) must be immediately discontinued and discarded from use.

• Requires absentee voter ballots to include the same ballot marking instructions on the ballot itself for all election types, plus separate step-by-step instructions for absent voters regarding envelope procedures, signature requirements, and ballot return methods.

• Changes mandatory language from "shall" to "must" throughout Michigan election law provisions regarding ballot preparation and voter instructions.