2007 House Bill 4553

Allow automatic absentee ballot mailings to seniors

Introduced in the House

March 29, 2007

Introduced by Rep. Marc Corriveau (D-20)

To allow (but not require) local elections clerks to automatically send an absentee ballot before each election to any qualified registered voter age 60 and older, even if the voter has not requested an absent voter ballot application. Note: A recent circuit court case ruled that Detroit could not automatically send out absentee ballots to voters who had received them in previous elections, because state law only authorizes that absentee ballots be sent to those who specifically ask for them.

Referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics

July 24, 2007

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Amendment offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Chris Ward (R-66)

To require rather than just allow clerks to mail absentee ballots to all registered voters age 60 or older.

The amendment failed 48 to 58 (details)

July 25, 2007

Passed in the House 96 to 12 (details)

To allow (but not require) local elections clerks to automatically send an absentee ballot before each election to any qualified registered voter age 60 and older, without having first received an absentee ballot request from the voter for a particular election. Note: A recent circuit court case ruled that Detroit could not automatically send out absentee ballots to voters who had received them in previous elections, because state law only authorizes that absentee ballots be sent to those who specifically ask for them.

Received in the Senate

Aug. 1, 2007

Referred to the Committee on Campaign and Election Oversight

June 18, 2008

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.