2006 House Bill 5580 / Public Act 463

Revise county election canvassers nomination process

Introduced in the House

Jan. 24, 2006

Introduced by Rep. Scott Hummel (R-93)

To allow a county board of commissioners or county clerk to request specific information from individuals nominated by political parties to serve on the county board of election canvassers. Specifically, they could ask if the person has any election experience, and whether he or she is interested in the position and intends to discharge the duties it requires to the best of his or her abilities. Under current law nominees are recommended by the two leading political parties and selected by the county board, and any vacancies are filled by the county clerk. The county canvassers board has two members from each party.

Referred to the Committee on Oversight, Elections, and Ethics

March 1, 2006

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

March 7, 2006

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that allows the county board to ask a nominee whether the nominee has a criminal record.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Andy Meisner (D-27)

To eliminate a provision authorizing the county board to request from a nominee "any other information" regarding the nominee.

The amendment passed by voice vote

March 9, 2006

Passed in the House 108 to 0 (details)

To allow a county board of commissioners or county clerk to request specific information from individuals nominated by political parties to serve on the county board of election canvassers. Specifically, they could ask if the person has any election experience, has a criminal record, and whether he or she is interested in the position and intends to discharge the duties it requires to the best of his or her abilities. Under current law nominees are recommended by the two leading political parties and selected by the county board, and any vacancies are filled by the county clerk. The county canvassers board has two members from each party.

Received

To give the bill immediate effect.

Passed in the House 107 to 0 (details)

Received in the Senate

March 14, 2006

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Reform

Nov. 29, 2006

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Dec. 7, 2006

Passed in the Senate 33 to 2 (details)

To allow a county board of commissioners or county clerk to request specific information from individuals nominated by political parties to serve on the county board of election canvassers. Specifically, they could ask if the person has any election experience, has a criminal record, and whether he or she is interested in the position and intends to discharge the duties it requires to the best of his or her abilities. Under current law nominees are recommended by the two leading political parties and selected by the county board, and any vacancies are filled by the county clerk. The county canvassers board has two members from each party.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Dec. 19, 2006