On November 26, the Michigan House passed HB 4507, which changes the criteria for placing names on presidential primary ballots. Existing law lets candidates withdraw from the Michigan primaries, even if they are running in other state primaries. The bill would have the Secretary of State automatically place candidates on the Michigan ballot who are mentioned in the news media. The effect of the bill, if it passes all the way through with an urgency clause, will be to add Barack Obama, John Edwards, Joe Biden and Bill Richardson.

Although the bill passed on November 26, it didn’t pass with a two-thirds majority, so it can’t take effect immediately. Backers will vote again on November 27 to try to get a two-thirds majority.