The bill amends sections 362 and 370 of the Michigan election law, specifically addressing the terms and qualifications of township officers. It establishes that beginning in 1980, the term of office for all township officers will be four years, with specific provisions for the commencement of terms based on the election date. For officers elected before January 1, 2025, their terms will start at noon on November 20 following their election, while those elected after that date will begin their terms at noon on December 1. Additionally, the bill clarifies that if an elected township officer fails to qualify by January 1 following their election, a vacancy is created that must be filled according to section 370.

Section 370 outlines the process for filling vacancies in elective township offices. If a vacancy occurs and the number of serving members falls below the quorum required for the township board, the board of county election commissioners will make temporary appointments to restore the quorum. The bill also stipulates that if a township board does not fill a vacancy within 45 days, the county clerk must call a special election to fill the vacancy. Notably, it includes a provision that an individual elected to fill a vacancy cannot take the oath of office until the election results are certified by the appropriate board of canvassers, ensuring a clear process for maintaining the integrity of township governance.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 168.362, 168.370