Elections: special elections; governor to announce the date of the special election to fill a vacancy in the legislature within 30 days after the vacancy occurs and to hold the special election within 180 days after the vacancy occurs; require. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding sec. 634b. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4653'25
Impact
This proposed amendment is likely to streamline the process surrounding legislative vacancies in Michigan, potentially reducing the period during which constituents are left without representation. By enforcing a definitive timeline, the bill aims to enhance political accountability and responsiveness in situations where vacancies might otherwise lead to prolonged periods of inaction. The bill's tie to another piece of legislation, HB 4652, underlines its significance as part of broader electoral reform efforts within the state.
Summary
House Bill 4653 aims to amend the Michigan election law by adding a new section that stipulates the timeline for special elections to fill vacancies in the State Legislature. The bill specifies that the special election must be called by the governor within 30 days of a vacancy occurring and mandates that the election itself must be held no less than 60 days after the call and no later than 180 days after the vacancy occurs. This legislative change seeks to ensure timely representation in the State Legislature after a vacancy arises, providing a clearer and more structured process for special elections.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding HB 4653 may revolve around the implications of the governor's authority to call special elections. Critics might argue that the requirement for the governor to act within a specific timeframe could place undue pressure on the executive branch, especially in politically sensitive scenarios. Additionally, discussions could center on whether the timelines set forth in the bill adequately account for the complexities that may arise in certain situations, such as close electoral races or logistical challenges in organizing elections swiftly.
Same As
Elections: special elections; governor to announce the date of the special election to fill a vacancy in the legislature within 30 days after the vacancy occurs and to hold the special election within 180 days after the vacancy occurs; require. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding sec. 634b. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4653'25
Elections: special elections; state to reimburse costs for certain special elections; require. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding sec. 634b.
Elections: election officials; secretary of state to send each elector a notice every 10 years to verify the elector’s address information; require. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding sec. 515a.
Elections: offenses; intimidating an election official or preventing an election official from performing the election official's duties; prohibit. Amends 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.1 - 168.992) by adding sec. 931b.
Elections: other; election of members to the Michigan public service commission; provide for. Amends sec. 699 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.699) & adds ch. VIA. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0297'23
Elections: absent voters; electronic return of absent voter ballots by military voters and their spouses; provide for. Amends sec. 759a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.759a) & repeals sec. 18a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.18a).
Elections: absent voters; electronic return of absent voter ballots by uniformed services voters and overseas voters; allow, and codify tabulating certain absent voter ballots received up to 6 days after the election. Amends secs. 759a & 764a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.759a & 168.764a) & repeals sec. 18a of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.18a).
Elections: other; participation by this state as a member of the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC); prohibit. Amends sec. 509o of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.509o).
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.