Elections: petitions; statistical random sampling of ballot initiative petitions, constitutional amendment petitions, and qualifying petitions; provide for, allow for the disqualification of obviously fraudulent petition signatures, and modify petition signature requirements. Amends secs. 476, 477 & 590f of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.476 et seq.).

This bill modifies Michigan election procedures to allow the Board of State Canvassers to use statistical random sampling when checking signatures on ballot initiatives and other petitions. It establishes rules for verifying voter registration and signature authenticity, creating a rebuttable presumption that a signature is invalid if the voter was not registered or did not live in the correct district at the time of signing. The legislation also requires the board to refer signatures that appear obviously fraudulent to the Attorney General for further investigation. Additionally, it sets specific deadlines for declaring petitions sufficient and mandates that the board complete its review at least two months before the relevant election.