The bill amends sections 362 and 370 of the Michigan election law, specifically addressing the terms and appointment processes for township officers. It establishes that the term of office for all township officers will be four years, starting from elections held in 1980 and onwards. Additionally, it specifies that terms for officers elected before January 1, 2025, will commence at noon on November 20 following their election, while those elected after this date will begin at noon on December following their election. The bill also clarifies that if an elected officer fails to qualify by January 1 after their election, a vacancy is created that must be filled according to the provisions outlined in section 370.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the procedures for filling vacancies in elective township offices. If a vacancy occurs that reduces the township board below the required quorum, the board of county election commissioners will make temporary appointments to restore the quorum. It also stipulates that if a township official resigns, the board may appoint a replacement effective at the time of resignation. If the board does not fill a vacancy within 45 days, the county clerk must call a special election to fill the position. Notably, the bill 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.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 168.362, 168.370