ELECTION POLLING PLACES
House Bill 5179
Sponsor: Rep. Gary A. Newell
Committee: Local Government and Urban Policy
Complete to 10-23-03
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5179 AS INTRODUCED 10-15-03
House Bill 5179 would amend the Michigan Election Law to allow for polling places outside of township boundaries under certain circumstances.
The bill specifies that if two contiguous townships utilized a combined township hall or other publicly owned or controlled building within one of the township’s boundaries, and within one mile of the other township’s boundaries, then each township board could provide a polling place in that building for one or more election precincts.
[Background. Currently under the law the legislative bodies of cities, villages, and townships make arrangements for suitable polling places in each precinct within their jurisdictions for use during an election. The officials are required by law to designate publicly owned or controlled buildings whenever possible (schools, fire stations, police stations, and the like), but if that is not possible, then the law allows the use of buildings owned by organizations that are exempt from federal income tax. The legislative bodies cannot designate a building owned by a person who is a sponsor of a political committee, or an independent committee, including a labor organization. They can, however, make arrangements for the rental or erection of suitable buildings for use as polling places if publicly owned or controlled buildings are not available. In addition, the law specifies that the legislative body may establish a central polling place for six precincts or less, if it is possible and convenient for the electors to vote at a central poll. The law also specifies that the legislative body can establish a polling place at a for-profit or non-profit residence or facility in which at least 150 people are aged 62 or older. Further, a township board can provide polling places located within the limits of a city that has been incorporated from territory formerly a part of the township. The law prohibits a legislative body from establishing, moving, or abolishing a polling place less than 60 days before an election, unless it has been damaged. It also requires that polling places be established in compliance with the federal Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, Public Law 98-435. House Bill 5179 would retain all of these provisions.]
MCL 168.662
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.