The bill amends section 82 of the Michigan election law to clarify the circumstances under which the offices of the secretary of state and attorney general become vacant. It specifies that a vacancy occurs due to the incumbent's death, resignation, removal for cause, loss of residency in the state, conviction of an infamous crime or violation of the oath of office, a tribunal's decision declaring the election or appointment void, or failure to take the constitutional oath of office. Additionally, it introduces a new provision stating that the office of secretary of state also becomes vacant if the incumbent files a nominating petition or is nominated or appointed to another public office.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that within 10 days of a vacancy occurring, a written notice must be provided to the governor, detailing the reason for the vacancy. This notice is to be given by the secretary of state unless the vacancy is in that office, in which case the attorney general will provide the notice. The language of the bill updates several terms for clarity and consistency, such as changing "shall become" to "becomes" and "shall occur" to "occurs."

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 168.82