EVISE RECALL PROCEDURES FOR ELECTIONS

House Bill 5410

Sponsor:  Rep. Chris Ward

Committee:  Local Government

Complete to 2-12-04

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5410 AS INTRODUCED 1-20-04

House Bill 5410 would amend the Michigan Election Law to revise the signature requirements on the recall petitions circulated for elected officers of a local governmental unit.

The bill specifies that for the recall of a local government official, recall petitions would have to be signed by registered voters of each precinct of the electoral district of the officer sought to be recalled, equal to not less than 25 percent of the number of votes cast for candidates for the office of governor at the most recent general election, in those precincts.  In addition, the bill specifies that upon written demand, the county clerk, within five days, would be required to certify the minimum number of signatures required for the recall.

Currently the law specifies that recall petitions be signed by registered electors equal to not less than 25 percent of the number of votes cast for candidates for the office of governor at the last preceding general election, in the electoral district of the officer sought to be recalled.  This provision would no longer apply in cases of local elected officials.  The law also specifies that the county clerk certify the minimum number of signatures required for the recall within five days, upon written request.

         MCL 168.955

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                                          

■ 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.