Elections: voters; state voting rights act; create. Creates new act & repeals 1969 PA 161 (MCL 691.1031). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0962'26, SB 0963'26, SB 0964'26

Senate Bill 961 creates a new State Voting Rights Act in Michigan to protect the voting rights of racial, color, and language minority groups. The bill prohibits local governments and officials from implementing election rules or practices that create disparities in voter participation or impair the ability of minority groups to elect candidates of their choice. Key provisions include establishing definitions for voting methods and protected classes, requiring a court-appointed monitor under certain circumstances, and creating a fund to support enforcement efforts.