2021 Senate Bill 311 / 2022 Public Act 197

Republican election rules package

Introduced in the Senate

March 24, 2021

Introduced by Sen. Ruth Johnson (R-14)

To allow active duty military voters and their spouses to return their absentee ballots by email if sent from a military-issued email address, using a military “common access card” smart-card to verify identity. This is part of a Republican election integrity package comprised of Senate Bills 273 to 311.

Referred to the Committee on Elections

June 17, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

June 24, 2021

Substitute offered by Sen. Adam Hollier (D-2)

To replace the previous version of the bill with an unpublished substitute that reflects Democratic caucus preferences.

The substitute failed 16 to 19 (details)

Passed in the Senate 34 to 1 (details)

Received in the House

June 24, 2021

Referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics

Sept. 28, 2022

Substitute offered by Rep. Ann Bollin (R-42)

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

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 98 to 6 (details)

To allow active duty military voters and their spouses to return their absentee ballots by email if sent from a military-issued email address, using a military “common access card” smart-card to verify identity. This is part of a Republican election integrity package comprised of Senate Bills 273 to 311.

Received in the Senate

Sept. 28, 2022

Passed in the Senate 30 to 1 (details)

Signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Oct. 7, 2022