2021 Senate Bill 303

Republican election rules package

Introduced in the Senate

March 24, 2021

Introduced by Sen. Tom Barrett (R-24)

To revise a process that allows an unregistered voter to show up at the polls and vote. An individual would be given a “provisional" ballot, which under Senate Bill 304 would not be counted unless the individual produced documents within six days that verify his or her identity and address.

Referred to the Committee on Elections

June 3, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

June 16, 2021

Passed in the Senate 19 to 16 (details)

To revise a process that allows an unregistered voter to show up at the polls. An individual would be given a “provisional" ballot, which under Senate Bill 304 would not be counted unless the individual produced documents within six days that verify his or her identity and address.

Received in the House

June 16, 2021

Referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics

June 23, 2021

Reported without amendment

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

Passed in the House 58 to 52 (details)

To revise a process that allows an unregistered voter to show up at the polls. An individual would be given a “provisional" ballot, which under Senate Bill 304 would not be counted unless the individual produced documents within six days that verify his or her identity and address.

Received in the Senate

June 24, 2021

Oct. 6, 2021

Substitute offered by Sen. Tom Barrett (R-24)

To adopt a version of the bill that revises various alternative means for a an individual with no photo identification to get an absentee ballot or show up at a polling place and vote on election day. Among other things it would eliminate polling place "signature matching" and "affidavit of identity" provisions, add an option for voters without ID to provide the last four digits of their social security number, and others. Individuals who could not meet the voter ID requirements could still vote a "provisional" ballot, which would be counted when the person's identity was verified. The bill would also require elections (not campaigns) and related activities to be funded solely with government money, not money contributed by outside groups or individuals; require that the Secretary of State and county officials direct the conduct and administration of all elections, not private groups or individuals; and prohibit officials from sending out unsolicited absentee ballot applications.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 20 to 15 (details)

To revise a process that allows an unregistered voter to show up at the polls and vote. An individual would be given a “provisional" ballot, which under Senate Bill 304 would not be counted unless the person produced documents within six days that verify his or her identity and address.

Received in the House

Oct. 6, 2021

Oct. 14, 2021

Passed in the House 56 to 51 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed substitute.

Vetoed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Oct. 29, 2021