The bill amends the Michigan election law, specifically sections 362 and 370 of the 1954 PA 116. 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 modifies the commencement date for the terms of township officers elected after December 31, 2024, which will now begin at noon on December 1 following their election. The bill also clarifies that if an elected township officer fails to qualify by January 1 after their election, it creates a vacancy that must be filled according to section 370.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the process 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 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