Technology (Elections)

HB 4720 prohibits Michigan jurisdictions from using electronic voting systems containing parts or equipment from foreign entities listed by the FCC under federal law, effective January 1, 2026. This directly affects election officials and voting equipment vendors who must ensure their systems comply with this ban. The bill amends existing requirements to maintain paper ballots, accessibility standards, audit trails, and other voting system safeguards under Michigan's election law (MCL 168.795). It does not change current voting procedures but adds a new security-related restriction on equipment sourcing.

SB 468 prohibits Michigan jurisdictions from acquiring or using electronic voting systems after January 1, 2026, if those systems contain parts or equipment from entities providing "covered communications equipment" listed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under federal law. This directly affects local election officials and voting system vendors purchasing new equipment for state elections. The key mechanism requires voting systems to avoid components from vendors designated by the FCC as security risks, referencing the FCC’s official list. Existing systems and voting requirements (like paper ballots and accessibility features) remain unchanged under this bill.