Title
Resolution to Permanently Relocate Precinct 2-20 from the First United Method Church at 1001 Green Road to King Elementary School at 3800 Waldenwood Lane Beginning with the 2024 Presidential Primary Election
Memorandum
The City Clerk’s Office is in need of a new polling location for Precinct 2-20, currently located at 1001 Green Road at the First United Methodist Church. The Church has informed the City that the building will not be available as they are consolidating their services into other existing buildings. The City Clerk’s Office is proposing to co-locate the precinct at King Elementary, an existing polling location that currently houses Precinct 2-19. Use of the nearby elementary has several advantages, including the existing relationship with the Ann Arbor Public Schools for Election Day facilities, ample parking, accessibility, and a better public perception as a public space for voting. Additionally, co-location of precincts will allow the Clerk’s Office to consolidate equipment that may be needed for the upcoming implementation of early voting.
The Ann Arbor Public Schools are a partner with the City Clerk’s Office for elections and currently support 34 voting precincts in 23 school buildings. AAPS has agreed to the location of two precincts at King Elementary, particularly due to the fact that many voters in these two precincts choose to vote early by mail and now also have the option to vote early in person before Election Day, if desired, making for a much lighter traditional Election Day polling place turnout. The City Election Commission recommended approval of this resolution at their meeting on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
Pursuant to Michigan Election Law, City Council approval is required to designate and prescribe the place or places of holding an election in the city.
Signage will be posted at First United Methodist Church for all 2024 elections to direct any voters who may still arrive at the former location. In addition, new permanent voter identification cards will be issued to all affected voters, in addition to other City Communication methods, such as press releases, website posting, and social media.
The City Clerk’s Office is requesting that City Council authorize the City Administrator and the City Clerk to take any necessary action to implement this resolution.
Staff
Prepared by: Jacqueline Beaudry, City Clerk
Reviewed and approved by: City Election Commission
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City Clerk’s Office has been notified that the First United Methodist Church, the polling location for Precinct 2-20 will no longer be available for use as a polling location;
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Public Schools’ King Elementary, located at 3800 Waldenwood Lane, has agreed to be a permanent polling place, co-locating with the existing Precinct 2-19 at this location;
Whereas, King Elementary School is easily accessible to voters in Precinct 2-20, including voters with disabilities and has ample parking;
Whereas, Michigan Election Law, 168.662 (1), requires that the legislative body in each city shall designate and prescribe the place or places of holding an election in the city, and shall provide a suitable polling place for each precinct for use at each election;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the permanent relocation of Precinct 2-20 to King Elementary, located at 3800 Waldenwood Lane, for all future City elections; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator and the City Clerk be authorized to take all action necessary to implement this resolution.
Sponsored by: City Election Commission
Sponsored by: Councilmember Watson