MI HB5959

Allows electors to apply for absent voter ballots using an online absent voter ballot application maintained by the secretary of state, in addition to existing in-person and mail application methods.

Online absent voter ballot application must substantially match the existing paper application form and allows electors to use stored digital signatures on file with the secretary of state or upload a manual digital signature via photograph.

Online application verifies elector identity by requesting name, driver license or state ID number, full date of birth, last 4 digits of Social Security number, and eye color before processing.

Completed online applications are transmitted electronically through the qualified voter file to the appropriate city or township clerk and must be processed identically to paper applications signed with handwritten signatures.

Establishes that secretary of state shall maintain the online absent voter ballot application system with substantially the same form and requirements as the paper application prescribed in existing law.