R 168.101 Definitions.

Rule 1. (1) As used in these rules: (a) “Act” means the Michigan election law, 1954 PA 116, MCL 168.1 to 168.992. (b) “Clerk” means a city or township clerk, the clerk’s deputy clerk, or a sworn member of the clerk’s staff, including appointed election inspectors, assisting with the electronic return program. (c) “Data” means verifying information about the voter’s identity, the voted ballot, timestamps, notifications sent from the portal, and other records or information. (d) “Department” means the department of state. (e) “Electronic return identity verification” means the United States Department of Defense verified electronic signature as defined in section 18a of the act, MCL 168.18a, or other forms of identity verification authorized by statute or court order for purposes of electronic return. (f) “Electronic return program” means use of the portal by voters to either only electronically receive ballots or to both electronically receive ballots and electronically return voted ballots. (g) “Eligible voter” means “eligible member” as defined in section 759a of the act, MCL 168.759a, and other individuals authorized by statute or court order to electronically return a voted ballot. (h) “Portal” means the secure online system used to electronically send ballots, ballot instructions, and required certification to a voter, and to electronically return to the clerk voted ballots and signed certifications from eligible voters. (i) “Secretary of state’s duly authorized agent” includes the bureau of elections, other necessary department staff, county clerks or the county clerk’s designees, and relevant department of technology, management, and budget staff as determined by the director of elections. (j) “UOCAVA voter” means an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter who receives specified registration and absentee voting protections under the uniformed and overseas citizens absentee voting act, Public Law 99-410; the military and overseas voter empowerment act, Public Law 111-84 ; and corresponding state law provisions under the act. (k) “Verified user” means a clerk or a clerk’s designee responsible for electronically delivering ballots and receiving ballots through the portal, an authorized agent of the secretary of state, or a voter authorized to electronically receive or electronically receive and return a ballot by law. (2) Unless otherwise defined in these rules, a term defined in the act has the same meaning when used in these rules.