MI SB0470

Allows eligible uniformed services members and merchant marines absent from the United States to electronically return voted ballots to their city or township clerk beginning September 1, 2025, subject to rules promulgated by the Secretary of State.

Requires the Secretary of State to establish rules requiring eligible members to use a United States Department of Defense verified electronic signature for identity verification when electronically returning ballots.

Permits only the Secretary of State, authorized agents, city/township clerks, deputy clerks, or sworn staff members to access the secure web portal for electronic ballot return.

Extends the ballot receipt deadline for absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters when ballots were not transmitted within the 45-day deadline, with an extension period equal to the number of days the transmission was delayed.

Allows absent voter ballots postmarked on or before election day and received by mail within 6 days after the election to be considered timely received, with county clerks determining timeliness when postmarks are missing or unclear.