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Michigan Board of State Canvassers
| State: Michigan |
| Website: Official website |
| Year established: 1850 |
| Learn more about Michigan ballot measures |
| • Laws governing the initiative process in Michigan |
| • Types of ballot measures in Michigan |
| • List of Michigan ballot measures |
The Michigan Board of State Canvassers was established in 1850 when the Michigan Constitution of 1850 was created. Four members serve on the board: two members from each major political party. Members are nominated by the state central committee of each political party and appointed by the governor. Each member serves a four year term.
Responsibilities of the board include canvassing and certifying statewide elections, canvassing nominating petitions filed with the secretary of state, canvassing state-level ballot measure petitions, establishing ballot language for statewide ballot measures on the ballot, approving electronic voting systems to be in use in the state, and conducting recounts for state-level offices.
Structure
Membership
Four members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate. Officeholders, candidates for office, and inspectors of election are not eligible to serve.[1]
The board will consist of two members from each major political party nominated by their state central committee. On or before January 10 of an odd numbered year, the state central committee submits three names to the governor for each position in the board that is up for reappointment. Before January 20, the governor will appoint one individual from the three nominated to each position of the political party on the board.[1][2]
Terms
Term limits are for four years. The terms are staggered, so that the term of a Republican seat and the term of a Democratic seat expire in each odd-numbered year. Terms begin on February 1 immediately following appointment. They hold office until they are replaced by their successor.
Vacancies
If a vacancy occurs before the expiration of the term, the state central committee of the political party of the officeholder will submit three candidates to the governor in the same manner as nominating members on the tenth day following the date of vacancy. The governor will appoint one of these individuals, and the nominee will serve for the remainder of the vacant term.
Funding
Funds are appropriated to the board by the state general fund.
Responsibilities
Elections
The board is responsible for canvassing and certifying statewide elections, elections for legislative districts that cross county lines and all judicial offices (except judge of the probate court). In Michigan, the board is the only entity designated to certify the election results for statewide and federal offices.[1]
The board certifies the election results based on the certified statements of votes from counties, or in the case of boards of county canvassers, statements of returns from the precincts and absent voter counting boards in the county and any corrected returns.[1]
The board is also designated to conduct recounts for state-level offices, and to approve the use of electronic voting systems in the state.[1]
Ballot measures
The board is also responsible for canvassing state-level ballot proposal petitions, assigning designations for ballot proposals, and adopting ballot language for statewide ballot measures.[2]
Upon the filing of initiative petitions, the secretary of state must notify the board of the filing by first-class mail. The board will verify the signatures submitted to determine of enough valid signatures were submitted. Voter files are used to determine the validity of signatures. The board of state canvassers can hold hearings if any complaints are filed, or if the board is conducting an investigation regarding the petitions. To conduct a hearing, the board may issue subpoenas and administer oaths The board must complete the canvass of signatures at least two months prior to the election.[2]
Ballot designations need to be assigned 60 days before the election.[2]
History
The Board of State Canvassers was created by the State Constitution in 1950. Article II, Section 7 of the Michigan Constitution established the rules regarding the board.
See also
- Laws governing the initiative process in Michigan
- Types of ballot measures in Michigan
- List of Michigan ballot measures
External links
Footnotes
