Elections: political parties; state political party to change name to affiliated national political party; allow. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding sec. 685a.
Impact
The implications of HB 4851 could be significant in the context of state election practices. By facilitating a smoother transition for political parties in reflecting national changes, the bill may enhance clarity for voters during election periods. This ensures that voters can easily identify candidates associated with a particular national party as state-level changes would keep pace with national developments. However, it may also raise questions regarding the timing and requirements for name changes as political dynamics shift on the national level.
Summary
House Bill 4851 proposes an amendment to the Michigan Election Law, specifically adding a new section (685a) that allows a state political party to change its name to match that of its affiliated national political party. This change is contingent upon the party filing a certificate signed by its chairperson and secretary with the secretary of state by a specified deadline, which is set for 4 p.m. on the one hundred tenth day before a general November election. This bill aims to streamline the process for state political parties to align their names with their national counterparts, particularly in cases where the national party undergoes a name change.
Contention
Although there appear to be no major points of contention explicitly identified in the available discussions surrounding HB 4851, the provision may prompt debate on issues such as the timing of political party rebranding and voter recognition. Proponents may argue for the necessity of alignment with national parties to avoid confusion among voters. In contrast, opponents might highlight potential risks of last-minute changes or the implications for state sovereignty in keeping its electoral processes distinct from national politics.
Elections: petitions; statistical random sampling of petition signatures for petitions to form a new political party; provide for. Amends sec. 685 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.685).
Allows voter to vote in any political party primary by changing party affiliation at polling place on primary election day; allows mail-in voter to complete any political primary ballot.
Allows voter to vote in any political party primary by changing party affiliation at polling place on primary election day; allows mail-in voter to complete any political primary ballot.
Allows voter to vote in any political party primary by changing party affiliation at polling place on primary election day; allows mail-in voter to complete any political primary ballot.
Elections: petitions; process for counting duplicate petition signatures; provide for, and eliminate penalties. Amends secs. 482, 590h, 685, 957 & 958 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.482 et seq.); adds secs. 482f & 547 & repeals sec. 547a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.547a).
Elections: school; school district board member candidates; require to have a partisan affiliation. Amends secs. 303, 697 & 699 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.303 et seq.).