Elections: petitions; statistical random sampling of nominating petition signatures; provide for, and allow for the disqualification of obviously fraudulent nominating petition signatures. Amends sec. 552 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.552).

This bill modifies Michigan election laws to allow county clerks to use statistical random sampling to verify the signatures on nominating petitions rather than checking every single one. It also clarifies the process for investigating complaints about fraudulent signatures and permits clerks to disqualify petitions that contain obviously invalid entries. Under the proposed changes, clerks could use digitized voter registration records to compare signatures and must make investigation reports public before making final decisions on a petition's validity. The legislation would apply to candidates running for office who rely on nominating petitions to get on the ballot.