June 7, 2006, Introduced by Reps. Meyer, Newell, Stewart and Wenke and referred to the Committee on House Oversight, Elections, and Ethics.
A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled
"Michigan election law,"
by amending section 163 (MCL 168.163), as amended by 1999 PA 218.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 163. (1) To obtain the printing of the name of a person
as a candidate for nomination by a political party for the office
of state senator or representative under a particular party heading
upon the official primary ballots in the various election precincts
of a district, there shall be filed nominating petitions signed by
a number of qualified and registered electors residing in the
district as determined under section 544f. If the district
comprises more than 1 county, the nominating petitions shall be
filed with the secretary of state. If the district comprises 1
county or less, the nominating petitions shall be filed with the
county clerk of that county. Nominating petitions shall be in the
form prescribed in section 544c. The secretary of state and the
various county clerks shall receive nominating petitions for filing
in
accordance with this act up to 4 p.m. of the twelfth Tuesday
preceding
before the August primary.
(2) In
Until December 31, 2007, in lieu of filing a
nominating petition, a filing fee of $100.00 may be paid to the
county clerk or, for a candidate in a district comprising more than
1 county, to the secretary of state. Beginning January 1, 2008, in
lieu of filing a nominating petition, a filing fee of $500.00 may
be paid to the county clerk or, for a candidate in a district
comprising more than 1 county, to the secretary of state. Payment
of the fee and certification of the name of the candidate paying
the fee shall be governed by the same provisions as in the case of
nominating petitions. The fee shall be deposited in the general
fund of the county and shall be refunded to candidates who are
nominated and
to an equal number of candidates who receive the
next
highest number of votes in the primary election. If
2 or
more
candidates tie in having the lowest number of votes allowing a
refund,
the sum of $100.00 shall be divided among them. A
refund
of a deposit shall not be made to a candidate who withdraws as a
candidate.