Michigan HB5845: Elections: other; retention of electronic poll book flash drives; require. Amends sec. 811 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.811).

What the bill says

To amend 1954 PA 116, entitled "Michigan election law," by amending section 811 (MCL 168.811), as amended by 2023 PA 86.

From the engrossed text, June 17, 2026:

A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled "Michigan election law," by amending section 811 (MCL 168.811), as amended by 2023 PA 86. the peoplE of the state of michigan enact: Sec. 811. (1) All election returns, including poll lists, statements, tally sheets, absent voters' return envelopes bearing the statement required by section 761, absent voters' records required by section 760, and other returns made by the election inspectors of the several precincts must be carefully preserved and may be destroyed after the expiration of 22 months following the primary or election at which the same were used. (2) All applications executed under section 523, all voter registration applications executed by applicants under section 497(3) and (4), and all absent voters' applications must be carefully preserved and may be destroyed after the expiration of 6 years following the primary or election at which those applications were executed. (3) All ballots used at any primary or election, other than ballots containing a federal office, may be destroyed after 30 days following the final determination of the board of canvassers with respect to the primary or election unless a petition for recount has been filed and not completed or unless the destruction of the ballots is stayed by an order of a court. All ballots containing a federal office, and all presidential …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Wortz, Jennifer (R, 35) · primary sponsor
• Smit, Rachelle (R, 43)
• DeBoyer, Jay (R, 63)
• Woolford, Jason (R, 50)
• Hoadley, Mike (R, 99)
• Wozniak, Douglas (R, 59)
• Fox, Joseph (R, 101)
• Borton, Ken (R, 105)
• Greene, Jaime (R, 65)

Latest actions

1. June 23, 2026: REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ELECTIONS AND ETHICS
2. June 23, 2026: PASSED BY HOUSE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
3. June 17, 2026: transmitted
4. June 17, 2026: passed; given immediate effect Roll Call #216 Yeas 62 Nays 45 Excused 0 Not Voting 3
5. June 17, 2026: read a third time
6. June 16, 2026: placed on third reading
7. June 16, 2026: substitute (H-1) adopted
8. June 16, 2026: read a second time
9. June 9, 2026: referred to second reading
10. June 9, 2026: reported with recommendation with substitute (H-1)

Votes

• passed; given immediate effect (June 17, 2026): 62 yea, 45 nay, passed
• Reported With Recommendation With Substitute H-1 (June 9, 2026): 5 yea, 2 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB5845?

HB5845 is a bill in the Michigan Legislature (103rd Legislature): Elections: other; retention of electronic poll book flash drives; require. Amends sec. 811 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.811).

What does HB5845 do?

In its own words: To amend 1954 PA 116, entitled "Michigan election law," by amending section 811 (MCL 168.811), as amended by 2023 PA 86.

What is the status of HB5845?

In committee as of June 23, 2026. Latest action: REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ELECTIONS AND ETHICS (June 23, 2026).

Who sponsored HB5845?

Wortz, Jennifer (R, 35), with 8 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB5845?

On the Michigan Legislature website: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-HB-5845