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Online Application for Absentee Ballots

This bill amends the Michigan Election Law to provide for an online application process for absent voter ballots. The key provisions include: 1. Allowing registered voters to apply for absent voter ballots online through an application provided by the Secretary of State, in addition to the existing methods of submitting a written request, using an absentee ballot application form, or a federal postcard application. 2. Permitting voters to use their stored digital signature or upload a manual digital signature on the online absentee ballot application, which must be processed the same as a physical handwritten signature. 3. Requiring the Secretary of State to maintain an online absentee ballot application system that allows qualified and registered voters to request an absent voter ballot for elections in their city or township. 4. Providing instructions and requirements for the absentee ballot application process, including who can handle the application, the deadlines for submission, and penalties for making false statements or forging signatures. The bill aims to expand access to absentee voting by enabling an online application process while maintaining safeguards to ensure the integrity of the election process.1