HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 1985.11.21 - 11307Miscellaneous Resolution 85347 November 21, 1985
BY: GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE-John E. Olsen, Chairperson
RE: House Bill 4552 (Oppose) Amending the Michigan Election Law
to Facilitate Voter Registration
TO THE OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Mr. Chairpeson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS, House Bill 4552 proposes several amendments to the voter registration
sections of the Michigan Election Law, all aimed at making voter registration
easier; and
WHEREAS, this bill would allow voter registration by mail on special Secretary
of State forms, would allow voter registration on election day by appearing in
person at the clerk's office, would allow voter registration up to 20 days
prior to election day rather than the current 30 days and would require clerks
to appoint deputy registrars without regard to the appointees' place of residence;
and
WHEREAS, the registration by mail provision is unacceptable because it not
only would provide more potential for fraud but would also place an unnecessary
burden on Secretary of State personnel; and
WHEREAS, election day registration for those who appear in person is not
feasible because clerks are far too busy with regular election day business to
become involved in a new procedure to serve the procrastinators; and
WHEREAS, existing law calling for voter registrations up to 30 days prior
to an election provides ample and sufficient opportunity for potential electors
to become electors and there is no need for this time period to be changed to
20 days; and
WHEREAS, the requirement for clerks to appoint deputy registrars whether or
not the applicants for appointment live in the jurisdiction served by the clerk
seems to be an unrealistic mandate; and
WHEREAS, Oakland County Clerk Lynn D. Allen is opposed to House Bill 4552
and has expressed the opinion that clerks throughout the state would share his
opposition to the election reforms offered in this bill.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
takes a position opposing House Bill 4552.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be sent to all
Legislators representing Oakland County and to the County's Legislative Agent.
Mr. Chairperson, on behalf of the General Government Committee, I move the
adoption of the foregoing resolution.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
this 21-St day of NoVember . 19 85
4, 1
ALLEN
County Clerk/Register of Deeds
#85347 November 21, 1985
Moved by Olsen supported by Skarritt the resolution be adopted.
Discussion followed.
Vote on resolution:
AYES: Skarritt, Webb, Wilcox, Caddell, Calandra, Fortino, Gosling, Hassberger,
Hobart, R. Kuhn, S. Kuhn, Lanni, Law, McConnell, McDonald, Moffitt, Nelson, Olsen,
Page, Rewold. (20)
NAYS: Aaron, Doyon, McPherson, Pernick. (4)
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the resolution was adopted.
STATE OF MICHIGAN)
COUNTY OF OAKLAND)
I, Lynn D. Allen, Clerk of the County of Oakland and having a seal,
do hereby certify that I have compared the annexed copy of the attached
Miscellaneous Resolution adopted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
at their meeting held on November 21, 1985
with the orginial record thereof now remaining in my office, and
that it is a true and correct transcript therefrom, and of the
whole thereof.
In Testimony Whereof, .I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the
seal of said County at Pontiac, Michigan
