Overview

Each city and township has an Election Commission responsible for a number of duties related to election administration. City and Township Election Commissions establish precincts, assess voting equipment needs, perform testing of voting equipment, authorize the printing of ballots, and provide election supplies, among other duties. “Structure of Elections” at 9. **City and Township Commissions also appoint precinct inspectors prior to each election. “Structure of Elections” at 9.

In addition, the City and Township Election Commissions decide whether to establish Absent Voter Counting Boards or to process returned absent voter ballots at the precinct on Election Day. “Absent Voter EOM” at 2. **If the Commission establishes an Absent Voter Counting Board, the Commission must appoint a minimum of three inspectors to each Absent Voter Counting Board. “Absent Voter EOM” at 2. **The Commission is also responsible for securing a location for the Absent Voter Counting Board to meet to process and tabulate absent voter ballots, which is sequestered from all other Election Day activity. “Absent Voter EOM” at 2.

In cities, the Election Commission is made up of the City Clerk, the City Attorney, and the City Assessor. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.25. In townships, the Election Commission is made up of the Township Clerk, the Township Supervisor, and the Township Treasurer. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.26. Exceptions to the composition of the Election Commission can be provided by a city or township charter. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. §§ 168.25, 168.26.

Election-Related Duties

The key duties of the City and Township Election Commissions are:

1. Deciding whether to establish Absent Voter Counting Boards or to process returned absent voter ballots at the precinct on Election Day. “Absent Voter EOM” at 2.
2. Appointing election inspectors to each Absent Voter Counting Board. “Absent Voter EOM” at 2.
3. Securing a suitable location for the Absent Voter Counting Board. “Absent Voter EOM” at 2.
4. Appointing precinct inspectors prior to each election. “Structure of Elections” at 9.

Selection and Vacancy Information

• **Ex Officio: ****The City Election Commission is made up of the City Clerk, the City Attorney, and the City Assessor. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.25. The Township Election Commission is made up of the Township Clerk, the Township Supervisor, and the Township Treasurer. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.26. Exceptions to the composition of the Election Commission can be provided by a city or township charter. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. §§ 168.25, 168.26.
• Term of Office:
  • A City Clerk’s term of office is one year from the second Monday in April of the year when elected and until a successor is elected. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 85.6.
  • A Township Clerk, the Township Supervisor, and the Township Treasurer all have terms of office of four years, commencing at noon on November 20 following the election and until a successor is elected. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.362.
• Qualifications:
  • An elected or appointed city officer must be a qualified voter of the city and may not be a defaulter to the city. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 85.9.
  • A Township Clerk, the Township Supervisor, and the Township Treasurer must be registered and qualified voters of the township in which office is sought by the filing deadline. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.342.
• Vacancy:
  • In the case of a vacancy in an elective city office, the Council may fill the vacancy by appointment or call a special election—whichever the Council deems in the “best interest” of the city. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 85.17.
  • In the case of a vacancy in an elective or appointive township office, the Township Board fills the vacancy by appointment, and the appointee holds the office for the remainder of the unexpired term. Mich. Comp. Laws Serv. § 168.370(a).