2017 Senate Bill 290 / 2018 Public Act 130

Increase election recount deposit requirements

Introduced in the Senate

March 30, 2017

Introduced by Sen. David Robertson (R-14)

To increase the deposit that a candidate must make to get an election recount, to $250 per precinct if the winner’s vote margin was more than 5 percent. If the recount does not change the outcome the candidate loses the deposit. The bill arises from the actions of the 2016 Green Party presidential candidate and Democratic Party operatives after the Nov. 8, 2016 defeat of Hillary Clinton in Michigan. These persons orchestrated a statewide recount allegedly on behalf of the Green Party candidate, who received less than 2 percent of the Michigan vote.

Referred to the Committee on Elections and Government Reform

May 9, 2017

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

May 23, 2017

Passed in the Senate 27 to 11 (details)

Received in the House

May 23, 2017

Referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics

Oct. 26, 2017

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass. The substitute also allows the lower fee if the winner and loser are separated by less than 75 votes in a precinct.

April 18, 2018

Passed in the House 93 to 16 (details)

To increase the deposit that a candidate must make to get an election recount, to $250 per precinct if the winner’s vote margin was more than 5 percent or 75 votes, whichever is greater. If the recount does not change the outcome the candidate loses the deposit. The bill arises from the actions of the 2016 Green Party presidential candidate and Democratic Party operatives after the Nov. 8, 2016 defeat of Hillary Clinton in Michigan. These persons orchestrated a statewide recount allegedly on behalf of the Green Party candidate, who received less than 2 percent of the Michigan vote.

Received in the Senate

April 19, 2018

Passed in the Senate 27 to 10 (details)

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

May 2, 2018