Compiled Laws, Chapter 168. Michigan Election Law § 168.717

Sec. 717. At least 3% of the total number of ballots of each kind to which each precinct is entitled, together with such additional number as the county clerk, upon a proper showing by the respective township or city clerks, may deem to be necessary, beginning with ballot No. 1 and including the consecutive numbers thereafter, shall be enclosed in 1 package, as many as are necessary thereof to be used for absent voters as provided by law: Provided, however, That such county clerk may deliver to each township or city clerk a sufficient number of each kind of such absent voters' ballots for each township and city in the county with numbers higher than those on any other ballots delivered to such township or city clerk, in which case the unused absent voters' ballots of such higher numbers shall remain in the possession of the clerk for contingencies, and further reference had in this act to the disposition of absent voters' ballots bearing the regular precinct numbers shall not apply to such ballots. Each package of absent voters' ballots shall be plainly marked on the outside, “Absent voters' ballots”. The remainder of the ballots of each kind for such precinct shall be enclosed in a second package, sealed as above provided.