2011 Senate Bill 584 / Public Act 163

Set date and authorize “closed” Republican presidential primary

Introduced in the Senate

Aug. 24, 2011

Introduced by Sen. Randy Richardville (R-17)

To authorize a Republican presidential primary election between Feb. 28 and March 6, 2012. This would be a “closed” primary, meaning voters would have to “declare” that they want a Republican ballot. The voter lists would become public information.

Referred to the Committee on Local Government and Elections

Sept. 15, 2011

Substitute offered

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

Amendment offered

To authorize "no reason" absentee ballots for this election.

The amendment failed 12 to 25 (details)

Passed in the Senate 25 to 12 (details)

To authorize a Republican presidential primary election on Feb. 28, 2012. This would be a “closed” primary, meaning voters would have to “declare” that they want a Republican ballot. The voter lists would become public information.

Received in the House

Sept. 15, 2011

Referred to the Committee on Redistricting and Elections

Sept. 20, 2011

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Substitute offered by Rep. Woodrow Stanley (D-34)

To make this an "open" primary rather than a "closed" one, meaning that Democrats could cross-over and vote without "declaring" publically that they want a Republican ballot.

The substitute failed 45 to 63 (details)

Amendment offered by Rep. David Nathan (D-11)

The amendment failed by voice vote

Substitute offered by Rep. Barb Byrum (D-67)

To authorize "early voting," "no-reason" absentee ballot voting, and early registration for 16- and 17-year-olds (effective when they turn 18) in all Michigan elections.

The substitute failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Barb Byrum (D-67)

To give the proposed law the official title of "The $10 Million Republican Presidential Primary Election Law".

The amendment failed by voice vote

Passed in the House 63 to 45 (details)

To authorize a Republican presidential primary election on Feb. 28, 2012. This would be a “closed” primary, meaning voters would have to “declare” that they want a Republican ballot. The voter lists would become public information.

Received in the Senate

Sept. 21, 2011

Motion by Sen. Arlan Meekhof (R-30)

That the bill be given immediate effect.

The motion passed 26 to 11 (details)

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Oct. 4, 2011