reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-PREPARATION-PRINTING-AND-DELIVERY-OF-OFFICIAL-BA - Preparation, Printing and Delivery of Official Ballots (168.684...168.719) › Section 168.715 - Absent Voters' and Other Ballots; Duties of Township and City Clerks, Delivery to Voting Precinct Boards of Election Inspectors.

168.715 Absent voters' and other ballots; duties of township and city clerks, delivery to voting precinct boards of election inspectors.
Sec. 715.
It shall be the duty of county, city and township clerks to keep safeguarded all official ballots for absent voters' use. The said township or city clerk shall have the right to open the package or packages of absent voter ballots received by him for any precinct in his township or city, provided he shall receive application for absent voter ballots from any qualified elector of such precinct, but not otherwise. He shall in no case open any of the other packages of official ballots but shall keep them intact in some safe and secure place, and shall deliver them and other election supplies, together with the absent voter ballots remaining in his possession, to the chairman or some member of the board of inspectors of election of the proper precinct or precincts of his township or city, as the case may be, before 7 o'clock in the forenoon of the day of election. On delivery of said ballots to the chairman or some other member of the board of election, said clerk shall take a receipt therefor, which receipt he shall file in his office.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-PREPARATION-PRINTING-AND-DELIVERY-OF-OFFICIAL-BA - Preparation, Printing and Delivery of Official Ballots (168.684...168.719) › Section 168.716 - Absent Voters' and Other Ballots; Wrapping, Sealing.

168.716 Absent voters' and other ballots; wrapping, sealing.
Sec. 716.
The ballots of each kind for each election precinct shall be wrapped and secured in 2 separate packages. Each package shall be securely sealed with a red paper seal furnished by the secretary of state and shall bear on its wrapper the name and number of the precinct and a certificate signed by the county clerk or some member of the board of county election commissioners or his or its duly authorized agent, setting forth the number and kind of ballots in such package and that such ballots were counted, packaged and sealed by himself personally, or by his duly authorized agent.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-PREPARATION-PRINTING-AND-DELIVERY-OF-OFFICIAL-BA - Preparation, Printing and Delivery of Official Ballots (168.684...168.719) › Section 168.717 - Absent Voters' Ballots; Numbering, Packaging, Marking.

168.717 Absent voters' ballots; numbering, packaging, marking.
Sec. 717.
At least 3% of the total number of ballots of each kind to which each precinct is entitled, together with such additional number as the county clerk, upon a proper showing by the respective township or city clerks, may deem to be necessary, beginning with ballot No. 1 and including the consecutive numbers thereafter, shall be enclosed in 1 package, as many as are necessary thereof to be used for absent voters as provided by law: Provided, however, That such county clerk may deliver to each township or city clerk a sufficient number of each kind of such absent voters' ballots for each township and city in the county with numbers higher than those on any other ballots delivered to such township or city clerk, in which case the unused absent voters' ballots of such higher numbers shall remain in the possession of the clerk for contingencies, and further reference had in this act to the disposition of absent voters' ballots bearing the regular precinct numbers shall not apply to such ballots. Each package of absent voters' ballots shall be plainly marked on the outside, "Absent voters' ballots". The remainder of the ballots of each kind for such precinct shall be enclosed in a second package, sealed as above provided.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-PREPARATION-PRINTING-AND-DELIVERY-OF-OFFICIAL-BA - Preparation, Printing and Delivery of Official Ballots (168.684...168.719) › Section 168.717a - Repealed. 2018, Act 120, Eff. Dec. 31, 2018.

168.717a Repealed. 2018, Act 120, Eff. Dec. 31, 2018.
Compiler's Notes:
The repealed section pertained to absent voters' ballots.
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-PREPARATION-PRINTING-AND-DELIVERY-OF-OFFICIAL-BA - Preparation, Printing and Delivery of Official Ballots (168.684...168.719) › Section 168.718 - Official Ballots; Printer, Acts Prohibited; Instruction Ballots, Printing.

168.718 Official ballots; printer, acts prohibited; instruction ballots, printing.
Sec. 718.
It shall not be lawful for the printer of official ballots for use at any election, or any other person, to give or deliver any of said ballots to, or knowingly permit any of said ballots to be taken by, any person other than the board of election commissioners for which such ballots are being printed; or to print, or cause or permit to be printed, any ballots in any other form than the one prescribed by this act, or with any other name thereon, or with the names misspelled, or the names, devices or designs therein arranged in any other way than that authorized and directed by the said board of election commissioners; but it shall be lawful for said board of election commissioners and upon its authorization for the chairman and candidates named on the official ballots to procure any number of facsimiles thereof to be printed on red, yellow or blue paper and to circulate the same for the purpose of the instruction of voters. Said colored facsimiles shall have printed at the head the words "Instruction Ballot".
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-PREPARATION-PRINTING-AND-DELIVERY-OF-OFFICIAL-BA - Preparation, Printing and Delivery of Official Ballots (168.684...168.719) › Section 168.719 - City and Township Election Commissions; Party Committees; Duties; Proof of Ballot; Public Inspection.

168.719 City and township election commissions; party committees; duties; proof of ballot; public inspection.
Sec. 719.
The election commission of each city and township shall perform those duties relative to the preparation, printing, and delivery of ballots as are required by law of the boards of county election commissioners. The duties and privileges enjoined and granted by this act upon and to the various committees of the different political organizations are prescribed for county committees in matters pertaining to any city or township election, except that it is not necessary for a county committee of a political party or organization to furnish a heading for the ballots other than to designate the name of the party or political organization that they represent. In cities and townships, the names of candidates for city or township offices must be given by the county committees of the various political organizations to the board of election commissioners of the city or township not less than 18 days before each election, but it is not necessary for any county party committee to give to the board of election commissioners the name of any candidate nominated at an official primary election. The proof of the ballot must be open to public inspection at the office of the township or city clerk not less than 15 days before the election.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955 ;-- Am. 2017, Act 113, Eff. Oct. 25, 2017 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 120, Eff. Dec. 31, 2018 ;-- Am. 2022, Act 104, Imd. Eff. June 16, 2022
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.720 - Polls; Times of Opening and Closing.

168.720 Polls; times of opening and closing.
Sec. 720.
On the day of any election, the polls shall be opened at 7 o'clock in the forenoon, and shall be continuously open until 8 o'clock in the afternoon and no longer. Every qualified elector present and in line at the polls at the hour prescribed for the closing thereof shall be allowed to vote.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.720a.added - Definitions for MCL 168.720b to 168.720j.

***** 168.720a.added THIS ADDED SECTION IS EFFECTIVE 91 DAYS AFTER ADJOURNMENT OF THE 2023 REGULAR SESSION SINE DIE *****
168.720a.added Definitions for MCL 168.720b to 168.720j.
Sec. 720a.
As used in sections 720b to 720j:
(a) "County agreement" means an agreement, or any amendment to the agreement, between 1 or more municipalities located in whole or in part in the same county and the county clerk of that county authorizing the county clerk of the county to conduct early voting for each municipality that is a party to the agreement, with the assistance of, and in consultation with, the clerk of each municipality that is a party to the agreement.
(b) "Early voting" means casting a ballot in person before election day in the same manner as a ballot is cast on election day, including depositing the ballot into a tabulator.
(c) "Early voting plan" means a document and any addenda to the document outlining the manner in which early voting will be provided.
(d) "Early voting poll book" means the poll book utilized in early voting to create the poll list of registered electors voting at an early voting site and to comply with all statutory requirements of a poll book in an election. An early voting poll book may be electronic or a combination of electronic and paper, as prescribed by the secretary of state.
(e) "Early voting site" means a location where early voting occurs and that meets both of the following requirements:
(i) Is open for at least 9 consecutive days of early voting beginning on the second Saturday before a statewide or federal election and ending on the Sunday before a statewide or federal election.
(ii) Is open for at least 8 hours each day during the required 9 consecutive days of early voting.
(f) "Municipal agreement" means an agreement, or any amendment to the agreement, between 2 or more municipalities located in whole or in part in the same county to jointly conduct early voting.
History:
Add. 2023, Act 81, Eff. (sine die)
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.720b.added - Right to Vote at Early Voting Site; Timing Requirements.

***** 168.720b.added THIS ADDED SECTION IS EFFECTIVE 91 DAYS AFTER ADJOURNMENT OF THE 2023 REGULAR SESSION SINE DIE *****
168.720b.added Right to vote at early voting site; timing requirements.
Sec. 720b.
(1) A registered and qualified elector in this state has the right to vote in person in each statewide and federal election at an early voting site before election day. An elector at an early voting site has the same rights and is subject to the same requirements as an elector at a polling place on election day.
(2) Early voting must be provided in each statewide and federal election for at least 9 consecutive days beginning on the second Saturday before the statewide or federal election and ending on the Sunday before the statewide or federal election, and must be provided for at least 8 hours each day during the required 9 consecutive days of early voting.
(3) Beginning January 1, 2026, early voting may be offered on the Monday before an election. The early voting on that Monday must end no later than 4 p.m.
History:
Add. 2023, Act 81, Eff. (sine die)
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.720e.added - Single Municipality; Administration of Early Voting Without Agreement; Designation at Polling Place; Appointment of Election Inspectors; Additional Voting Days; Local Elections; Resolution.

***** 168.720e.added THIS ADDED SECTION IS EFFECTIVE 91 DAYS AFTER ADJOURNMENT OF THE 2023 REGULAR SESSION SINE DIE *****
168.720e.added Single municipality; administration of early voting without agreement; designation at polling place; appointment of election inspectors; additional voting days; local elections; resolution.
Sec. 720e.
(1) The clerk of a municipality that does not enter into a municipal agreement or county agreement for conducting early voting is responsible for administering early voting in that municipality.
(2) Each early voting site for a municipality described in subsection (1) must be designated in the same manner as polling places are designated in section 662. Each elector registered in the municipality may engage in early voting at any early voting site in that municipality.
(3) The board of election commissioners of a municipality described in subsection (1) shall, in accordance with section 674, appoint election inspectors for each early voting site in that municipality.
(4) For each federal and statewide election, each municipality described in subsection (1) must have 1 or more early voting sites. In addition, the clerk of the municipality described in subsection (1) may set additional hours for early voting on any of the required 9 consecutive days of early voting as described in section 720b.
(5) The clerk of a municipality described in subsection (1) may also offer early voting on additional days beyond the required 9 consecutive days as described in section 720b. The clerk of the municipality may set the hours for those additional days of early voting without regard to the hours on the required 9 consecutive days of early voting described in section 720b. Additional days of early voting as described in this subsection must take place on or after the twenty-ninth day before an election.
(6) The legislative body of a municipality described in subsection (1) may adopt a resolution to conduct early voting in an election held in that municipality that is not a statewide or federal election, and early voting for that election must be conducted under the requirements of this section, except that the required 9 consecutive days of early voting beginning on the second Saturday before the election and ending on the Sunday before the election, and the required minimum of 8 hours of early voting each day, do not apply.
(7) If a municipality has 250 or more precincts, each ballot form that contains identical offices and names may be considered a separate precinct for purposes of early voting.
History:
Add. 2023, Act 81, Eff. (sine die)
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.720i.added - Early Voting Sites; Location and Quantity Requirements.

***** 168.720i.added THIS ADDED SECTION IS EFFECTIVE 91 DAYS AFTER ADJOURNMENT OF THE 2023 REGULAR SESSION SINE DIE *****
168.720i.added Early voting sites; location and quantity requirements.
Sec. 720i.
(1) An early voting site is subject to the same requirements as a polling place except that an early voting site may do either or both of the following:
(a) Serve electors from more than 6 precincts.
(b) Serve electors from more than 1 municipality located in a county.
(2) An early voting site is not subject to the limit on the number of electors assigned to a precinct as provided in section 661.
(3) The location and number of early voting sites must be selected by taking into consideration expected turnout, population density, public transportation, accessibility, travel time, traffic patterns, and any other factors that election officials consider necessary to enhance the accessibility of early voting sites.
(4) The location of each early voting site must be finalized no later than 60 days before election day.
(5) On each day of early voting, each registered and qualified elector present and in line at the early voting site at the hour prescribed for the closing of the early voting site must be allowed to vote.
History:
Add. 2023, Act 81, Eff. (sine die)
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.721 - Polls; Opening and Closing Governed by Central Standard Time.

168.721 Polls; opening and closing governed by central standard time.
Sec. 721.
Unless otherwise specified, the hours for the opening and closing of polls and for the conducting of elections shall be governed by eastern standard time: Provided, however, That in the counties where central standard time is the observed time of any such county, the opening and closing of the polls and the conducting of elections may be governed by central standard time, upon resolution to such effect adopted by the county board of supervisors.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.722 - Polls; Announcement of Opening and Closing.

168.722 Polls; announcement of opening and closing.
Sec. 722.
The chairman or an inspector designated by him shall announce to those present at the polling places, the opening of the polls and the closing of the polls.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955 ;-- Am. 1963, Act 224, Eff. Sept. 6, 1963
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.723 - Ballot Boxes; Examination, Locking.

168.723 Ballot boxes; examination, locking.
Sec. 723.
Before opening the polls, each ballot box to be used at the election shall be examined by the board of inspectors of election and the contents, if any, removed therefrom; it shall then be locked, and the key thereof delivered to 1 of the inspectors, to be designated by the board. The said box shall not be opened during the election.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.724 - Ballots; Opening Packages; Distribution of Pencils; Unused Absent Voters' Ballots.

168.724 Ballots; opening packages; distribution of pencils; unused absent voters' ballots.
Sec. 724.
At the opening of the polls, after the organization of and in the presence of the board of inspectors, 1 of the inspectors shall open the packages of ballots in such a manner as to preserve the seal intact. He shall then place in the booths the pencils to be used for marking ballots. The unused absent voters' ballots shall be the first used by the board of inspectors of election.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.725 - Repealed. 1955, Act 271, Imd. Eff. June 30, 1955;—1955, Act 283, Imd. Eff. July 19, 1955.

168.725 Repealed. 1955, Act 271, Imd. Eff. June 30, 1955;—1955, Act 283, Imd. Eff. July 19, 1955.
Compiler's Notes:
The repealed section provided for manner of initialing ballots.
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.726 - Ballots; Delivery to Elector.

168.726 Ballots; delivery to elector.
Sec. 726.
No ballots shall be delivered to an elector by any person other than 1 of the inspectors of election and only within the polling place, except as provided in this act for absent voters' ballots.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.728 - Challenges; Disposition.

168.728 Challenges; disposition.
Sec. 728.
If at the time a person proposing to vote is challenged, there are several persons awaiting their turn to vote, said challenged person shall stand to one side until after unchallenged voters have had an opportunity to vote, when his case shall be taken up and disposed of.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.729 - Challenges; Oath, Questions as to Qualifications; False Statements, Penalty.

168.729 Challenges; oath, questions as to qualifications; false statements, penalty.
Sec. 729.
If any person attempting to vote shall be challenged as unqualified, he shall be sworn by 1 of the inspectors of election to truthfully answer all questions asked him concerning his qualifications as an elector and any inspector or qualified elector at the poll may question said personas to such qualifications. If the answer to such questions show that said person is a qualified elector in that precinct, he shall be entitled to receive a ballot and vote. Should the answers show that said person is not a qualified elector at that poll, he shall not be entitled to receive a ballot and vote. If any one of his answers concerning a material matter shall not be true, he shall, upon conviction, be deemed guilty of perjury.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.730 - Designation, Qualifications, and Number of Challengers.

168.730 Designation, qualifications, and number of challengers.
Sec. 730.
(1) At an election, a political party or an incorporated organization or organized committee of citizens interested in the adoption or defeat of a ballot question being voted for or upon at the election, or interested in preserving the purity of elections and in guarding against the abuse of the elective franchise, may designate challengers as provided in this act. Except as otherwise provided in this act, a political party, incorporated organization, or organized committee of interested citizens may designate not more than 2 challengers to serve in a precinct at any 1 time. A political party, incorporated organization, or organized committee of interested citizens may designate not more than 1 challenger to serve at each counting board.
(2) A challenger shall be a registered elector of this state. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a candidate for nomination or election to an office shall not serve as a challenger at the election in which he or she is a candidate. A candidate for the office of delegate to a county convention may serve as a challenger in a precinct other than the 1 in which he or she is a candidate. A person who is appointed as an election inspector at an election shall not act as a challenger at any time during the election day.
(3) A challenger may be designated to serve in more than 1 precinct. The political party, incorporated organization, or organized committee of interested citizens shall indicate which precincts the challenger will serve when designating challengers under subsection (1). If more than 1 challenger of a political party, incorporated organization, or organized committee of interested citizens is serving in a precinct at any 1 time, only 1 of the challengers has the authority to initiate a challenge at any given time. The challengers shall indicate to the board of election inspectors which of the 2 will have this authority. The challengers may change this authority and shall indicate the change to the board of election inspectors.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955 ;-- Am. 1955, Act 271, Imd. Eff. June 30, 1955 ;-- Am. 1957, Act 248, Eff. Sept. 27, 1957 ;-- Am. 1966, Act 42, Imd. Eff. May 26, 1966 ;-- Am. 1972, Act 30, Imd. Eff. Feb. 19, 1972 ;-- Am. 1995, Act 261, Eff. Mar. 28, 1996
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.732 - Presence of Challenger in Room Containing Ballot Box; Evidence of Right to Be Present.

168.732 Presence of challenger in room containing ballot box; evidence of right to be present.
Sec. 732.
Authority signed by the recognized chairman or presiding officer of the chief managing committee of any organization or committee of citizens interested in the adoption or defeat of any measure to be voted for or upon at any election, or interested in preserving the purity of elections and in guarding against the abuse of the elective franchise, or of any political party in such county, township, city, ward or village, shall be sufficient evidence of the right of such challengers to be present inside the room where the ballot box is kept, provided the provisions of the preceding sections have been complied with. The authority shall have written or printed thereon the name of the challenger to whom it is issued and the number of the precinct to which the challenger has been assigned.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955 ;-- Am. 1966, Act 42, Imd. Eff. May 26, 1966 ;-- Am. 1972, Act 30, Imd. Eff. Feb. 19, 1972
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.733 - Challengers; Space in Polling Place; Rights; Space at Counting Board; Expulsion for Cause; Protection; Threat or Intimidation.

168.733 Challengers; space in polling place; rights; space at counting board; expulsion for cause; protection; threat or intimidation.
Sec. 733.
(1) The board of election inspectors shall provide space for the challengers within the polling place that enables the challengers to observe the election procedure and each person applying to vote. A challenger may do 1 or more of the following:
(a) Under the scrutiny of an election inspector, inspect without handling the poll books as ballots are issued to electors and the electors' names being entered in the poll book.
(b) Observe the manner in which the duties of the election inspectors are being performed.
(c) Challenge the voting rights of a person who the challenger has good reason to believe is not a registered elector.
(d) Challenge an election procedure that is not being properly performed.
(e) Bring to an election inspector's attention any of the following:
(i) Improper handling of a ballot by an elector or election inspector.
(ii) A violation of a regulation made by the board of election inspectors pursuant to section 742.
(iii) Campaigning being performed by an election inspector or other person in violation of section 744.
(iv) A violation of election law or other prescribed election procedure.
(f) Remain during the canvass of votes and until the statement of returns is duly signed and made.
(g) Examine without handling each ballot as it is being counted.
(h) Keep records of votes cast and other election procedures as the challenger desires.
(i) Observe the recording of absent voter ballots on voting machines.
(2) The board of election inspectors shall provide space for each challenger, if any, at each counting board that enables the challengers to observe the counting of the ballots. A challenger at the counting board may do 1 or more of the activities allowed in subsection (1), as applicable.
(3) Any evidence of drinking of alcoholic beverages or disorderly conduct is sufficient cause for the expulsion of a challenger from the polling place or the counting board. The election inspectors and other election officials on duty shall protect a challenger in the discharge of his or her duties.
(4) A person shall not threaten or intimidate a challenger while performing an activity allowed under subsection (1). A challenger shall not threaten or intimidate an elector while the elector is entering the polling place, applying to vote, entering the voting compartment, voting, or leaving the polling place.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955 ;-- Am. 1955, Act 271, Imd. Eff. June 30, 1955 ;-- Am. 1995, Act 261, Eff. Mar. 28, 1996 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 583, Eff. Mar. 31, 1997
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.734 - Challengers; Preventing Presence, Penalty.

168.734 Challengers; preventing presence, penalty.
Sec. 734.
Any officer or election board who shall prevent the presence of any such challenger as above provided, or shall refuse or fail to provide such challenger with conveniences for the performance of the duties expected of him, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000.00, or by imprisonment in the state prison not exceeding 2 years, or by both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.735 - Poll Book and Poll List; Contents.

168.735 Poll book and poll list; contents.
Sec. 735.
(1) At each primary and election, election inspectors shall keep 1 poll book and 1 poll list. An election inspector shall enter in the poll book, in the order in which electors are given ballots, the name of each elector who is given a ballot and immediately after the name, on the same line, shall enter the number of the ballot given to the elector. For an absent voter ballot, when an election inspector removes the ballot from the sealed absent voter envelope, the election inspector shall enter in the poll book the name of the absent voter and the number of the ballot.
(2) If an elector is issued a provisional ballot, an election inspector shall enter a proper designation in the poll book, including whether the provisional ballot was tabulated in the precinct or was secured for verification after the election.
(3) At the completion of the precinct canvass, an election inspector shall record on the certificate provided in the poll book the number of each metal seal used to seal voting equipment and ballot containers. Each member of the board of election inspectors shall sign the certificate.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955 ;-- Am. 1955, Act 271, Imd. Eff. June 30, 1955 ;-- Am. 1965, Act 35, Imd. Eff. May 19, 1965 ;-- Am. 2004, Act 92, Imd. Eff. Apr. 26, 2004
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.735a - Poll List and Poll Book; Exception for Program Participants in the Address Confidentiality Program Act.

168.735a Poll list and poll book; exception for program participants in the address confidentiality program act.
Sec. 735a.
For a program participant, as that term is defined in the address confidentiality program act, any poll list or poll book created for or used at an election must only contain the name of that program participant and a notation for the precinct election inspectors to contact the city or township clerk on how to process the elector who is a program participant.
History:
Add. 2020, Act 302, Eff. June 27, 2021
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.736 - Voting; Ballots, Delivery to Electors by Numbers; Assistance by Election Inspectors.

168.736 Voting; ballots, delivery to electors by numbers; assistance by election inspectors.
Sec. 736.
When an elector applying to vote shall not be challenged, or, having been challenged, if the answers to questions asked him while under oath as to his qualifications shall show that he is a qualified elector at that poll, he shall be permitted to vote. The inspector having charge of the ballots shall deliver to said elector 1 of each kind of said ballots to be voted at the election. All the ballots so given to an elector applying to vote shall bear the same number, beginning, for the first elector to whom ballots are given, with the lowest numbered ballots, the next higher number for the second such elector, and so on. On request of the elector, an inspector may give explanation of the manner of voting, and if by the board deemed necessary, an interpreter may be called, but the elector shall not be otherwise assisted in the marking of his ballot, except as provided in this act for assisted electors.
History:
1954, Act 116, Eff. June 1, 1955 ;-- Am. 1956, Act 37, Imd. Eff. Mar. 28, 1956 ;-- Am. 1963, 2nd Ex. Sess., Act 56, Eff. Mar. 24, 1964
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.736a - Minor Child in Booth or Compartment.

168.736a Minor child in booth or compartment.
Sec. 736a.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this act to the contrary, a minor child may accompany an elector in the booth or voting compartment at an election under this act.
History:
Add. 1996, Act 213, Imd. Eff. May 28, 1996
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.736b - Secrecy Sleeve; Primary Election; Instructions.

***** 168.736b THIS SECTION IS AMENDED EFFECTIVE 91 DAYS AFTER ADJOURNMENT OF THE 2023 REGULAR SESSION SINE DIE: See 168.736b.amended *****
168.736b Secrecy sleeve; primary election; instructions.
Sec. 736b.
Each ballot secrecy sleeve used at a primary election must either contain the following ballot marking instructions printed on the front of the ballot secrecy sleeve or must have a clear plastic pocket on the front of the ballot secrecy sleeve that contains a printed copy of the following ballot marking instructions:
PRIMARY ELECTION
TO VOTE: Completely darken the oval opposite each choice as shown:
[insert graphic here].
-- OR --
TO VOTE: Completely darken the box opposite each choice
as shown: [insert graphic here].
IMPORTANT: To mark your ballot, use only a black or blue ink pen.
DO NOT USE ANY OTHER INK COLOR!
PARTISAN SECTION: There may be multiple party sections on the
ballot. Select the party section of your choice. YOU MAY VOTE IN ONE PARTY SECTION ONLY; YOU CANNOT "SPLIT YOUR TICKET." IF YOU VOTE IN MORE THAN ONE PARTY SECTION, YOUR PARTISAN BALLOT WILL BE REJECTED.
DO NOT vote for more candidates than indicated under each office title.
WRITE-IN CANDIDATES: To vote for a candidate whose name is not printed on the ballot, write or place the name of that candidate in the blank space provided and completely darken the voting target area. Do not cast a write-in vote for a candidate whose name is already printed on the ballot for that office.
CHECK BOTH SIDES OF BALLOT: This ballot has two sides. Be certain to check the reverse side of the ballot.
WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED VOTING: Place the ballot in the secrecy sleeve so that votes cannot be seen and the numbered stub is visible. Return the ballot to the election official stationed at the tabulator. (If voting by absentee ballot, follow the instructions provided by the clerk for returning the ballot.)
NOTE: If you make a mistake, return your ballot to the election official and obtain a new ballot. Do not attempt to erase or correct any marks made in error.
History:
Add. 2012, Act 128, Imd. Eff. May 14, 2012 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 190, Imd. Eff. June 20, 2018
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.736b.amended - Secrecy Sleeve; Primary Election; Instructions.

***** 168.736b.amended THIS AMENDED SECTION IS EFFECTIVE 91 DAYS AFTER ADJOURNMENT OF THE 2023 REGULAR SESSION SINE DIE *****
168.736b.amended Secrecy sleeve; primary election; instructions.
Sec. 736b.
Each ballot secrecy sleeve used at a primary election must either contain the following ballot marking instructions printed on the front of the ballot secrecy sleeve or must have a clear plastic pocket on the front of the ballot secrecy sleeve that contains a printed copy of the following ballot marking instructions:
PRIMARY ELECTION
TO VOTE: Completely darken the oval opposite each choice as shown:
[insert graphic here].
-- OR --
TO VOTE: Completely darken the box opposite each choice
as shown: [insert graphic here].
IMPORTANT: To mark your ballot, use only a black or blue ink pen.
DO NOT USE ANY OTHER INK COLOR!
PARTISAN SECTION: There may be multiple party sections on the
ballot. Select the party section of your choice. YOU MAY VOTE IN ONE PARTY SECTION ONLY; YOU CANNOT "SPLIT YOUR TICKET." IF YOU VOTE IN MORE THAN ONE PARTY SECTION, YOUR PARTISAN BALLOT WILL BE REJECTED.
DO NOT vote for more candidates than indicated under each office title.
WRITE-IN CANDIDATES: To vote for a candidate whose name is not printed on the ballot, write or place the name of that candidate in the blank space provided and completely darken the voting target area. Do not cast a write-in vote for a candidate whose name is already printed on the ballot for that office.
CHECK BOTH SIDES OF BALLOT: This ballot has two sides. Be certain to check the reverse side of the ballot.
WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED VOTING: Place the ballot in the secrecy sleeve so that votes cannot be seen and, if there is a numbered stub, the numbered stub is visible. Return the ballot to the election official stationed at the tabulator. (If voting by absentee ballot, follow the instructions provided by the clerk for returning the ballot.)
NOTE: If you make a mistake, return your ballot to the election official and obtain a new ballot. Do not attempt to erase or correct any marks made in error.
History:
Add. 2012, Act 128, Imd. Eff. May 14, 2012 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 190, Imd. Eff. June 20, 2018 ;-- Am. 2023, Act 81, Eff. (sine die)
Popular Name:
Election Code
2023 Michigan Compiled Laws › Chapter 168 - Michigan Election Law › Act 116 of 1954 - Michigan Election Law (168.1 - 168.992) › 116-1954-XXVIII - Chapter XXVIII Holding of Elections (168.641...168.799a) › 116-1954-XXVIII-CONDUCT-OF-ELECTIONS-AND-MANNER-OF-VOTING - Conduct of Elections and Manner of Voting (168.720...168.750) › Section 168.736c - Secrecy Sleeve; General Election; Instructions.

***** 168.736c THIS SECTION IS AMENDED EFFECTIVE 91 DAYS AFTER ADJOURNMENT OF THE 2023 REGULAR SESSION SINE DIE: See 168.736c.amended *****
168.736c Secrecy sleeve; general election; instructions.
Sec. 736c.
Each ballot secrecy sleeve used at a general election must either contain the following ballot marking instructions printed on the front of the ballot secrecy sleeve or must have a clear plastic pocket on the front of the ballot secrecy sleeve that contains a printed copy of the following ballot marking instructions:
GENERAL ELECTION
TO VOTE: Completely darken the oval opposite each choice as shown:
[insert graphic here].
-- OR --
TO VOTE: Completely darken the box opposite each choice
as shown: [insert graphic here].
IMPORTANT: To mark your ballot, use only a black or blue ink pen.
DO NOT USE ANY OTHER INK COLOR!
PARTISAN SECTION: To vote the partisan section of the ballot, you
may cast a "mixed ticket."
Mixed Ticket: Vote for the individual candidates of your choice
in each office.
NONPARTISAN and PROPOSAL SECTIONS of the ballot (if any) must be
voted separately.
DO NOT vote for more candidates than indicated under each office
title.
WRITE-IN CANDIDATES: To vote for a candidate whose name is not
printed on the ballot, write or place the name of that candidate
in the blank space provided and completely darken the voting target
area. Do not cast a write-in vote for a candidate whose name
is already printed on the ballot for that office.
CHECK BOTH SIDES OF BALLOT: This ballot has two sides. Be certain
to check the reverse side of the ballot.
WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED VOTING: Place the ballot in the secrecy
sleeve so that votes cannot be seen and the numbered stub is
visible. Return the ballot to the election official stationed at
the tabulator. (If voting by absentee ballot, follow the
instructions provided by the clerk for returning the ballot.)
NOTE: If you make a mistake, return your ballot to the election
official and obtain a new ballot. Do not attempt to erase or
correct any marks made in error.
History:
Add. 2012, Act 128, Imd. Eff. May 14, 2012 ;-- Am. 2015, Act 268, Imd. Eff. Jan. 5, 2016 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 190, Imd. Eff. June 20, 2018
Popular Name:
Election Code