Michigan House Bill HB4874

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/28/23
• Refer: 6/28/23

Caption

Elections: election officials; list of local clerks who are not current with continuing election education training; require secretary of state to post on department of state website. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding sec. 33a.

Impact

The introduction of this bill is expected to have a significant impact on state election laws by enforcing stricter compliance among clerks with regard to their educational requirements. By making this information publicly accessible, the bill promotes a culture of transparency and accountability in the election process. It could potentially lead to increased public trust in local election administration, as constituents can verify the qualifications of the clerks responsible for overseeing elections in their communities.

Summary

House Bill 4874 amends Michigan's election law to enhance the accountability of county, city, and township clerks regarding their continuing election education training. The bill mandates that the Secretary of State must publish a list on the department's website by July 1 of every odd-numbered year, detailing clerks who are not up-to-date with their required training. This provision aims to improve the transparency and standards of election officials, ensuring they are adequately prepared to perform their duties effectively.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to enhance accountability among election officials, there may be concerns about the implications for clerks who fail to meet the training requirements. Some local governments might view this as an overreach, arguing that it places undue pressure on clerical staff and could result in unjust public scrutiny if they are unable to complete their training for legitimate reasons. The balance between ensuring qualified election officials and providing adequate support for training and education could become a notable point of contention during discussions.