Department of State
Elections & Campaign Finance
Administrative Rules for Online Absent Voter Ballot Application
Rule Set 2021-62 ST
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Friday, October 1, 2021
09:00 AM
Cadillac Place Room L-150
3044 W. Grand Blvd. Detroit, MI 48202
The Department of State will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on proposed changes to
the Online Absent Voter Ballot Application rule set.
Prior to elections, Michigan Election Law requires voters to submit an application requesting to receive
an absent voter ballot for the relevant elections. Voters can submit an application every election, or they
can submit one application that covers dual elections. The application that is submitted is in paper
format. The proposed rule set would codify current practice established in 2020 and allow the voter to
submit an application through a portal online that captures the voter’s signature on their driver’s license
and applies it to the application.
By authority conferred on the Secretary of State by section 31 of 1954 PA 116, MCL 168.31. The
proposed rules will take effect immediately after filing with the Secretary of State. The proposed rules are
Register in the 9/15/2021 issue. Copies of these proposed rules may also be obtained by mail or
electronic transmission at the following address: Elections@Michigan.gov.
Comments on these proposed rules may be made at the hearing or by mail or electronic mail at the
following address until 10/1/2021 at 05:00PM.
Michigan Bureau of Elections
Email: Elections@Michigan.gov
PO Box 20126, Lansing, MI 48901
The public hearing will be conducted in compliance with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. If the
hearing is held at a physical location, the building will be accessible with handicap parking available.
Anyone needing assistance to take part in the hearing due to disability may call 517-335-3234 to make
arrangements.