Title
Resolution to Consolidate Precincts Effective for the 2025 Election Cycle
Body
Whereas, Election Day turnout has declined since the approval of Proposition 2018-3 and 2022-2 with the implementation of No-Reason Absentee Voting, Permanent Ballot List, and in-person Early Voting opportunities;
Whereas, The Michigan Legislature approved SB 572 and 573, increasing the maximum precinct size to 4,999 active registered electors due to anticipated increased early voting and no-reason absentee voting;
Whereas, Voting behavior on the University of Michigan campus has changed since the implementation of same-day voter registration, resulting in less polling place turnout and more Election Day voting at satellite City Clerk office locations;
Whereas, The City’s “Permanent Absentee Ballot” list has grown to more than 20,000 registered voters since Proposition 22-2 passed;
Whereas, Six precincts were successfully consolidated ahead of the November 2024 Presidential Election;
Whereas, Over 20,000 voters chose to vote early at an Early Voting site in November 2024;
Whereas, Less than 16,000 voters chose to vote at their Election Day polling location in 2024;
Whereas, Consolidation of precincts could be accomplished with minimal disruption to voters, in some cases consolidating existing precincts within a single polling location;
Whereas, Consolidation of precincts will not result in any “split-district” precincts;
Whereas, Consolidation of precincts would allow for efficiencies in equipment and personnel allocation for early voting; and
Whereas, Consolidation of precincts under MCL 168.658 would result in the elimination of six precincts - Two in Ward 2, One in Ward 3, Two in Ward 4, and One in Ward 5;
RESOLVED, That the following precinct consolidations be approved:
• Precincts 13 and 20
• Precincts 16 and 17
• Precincts 24 and 25
• Precincts 31 and 41
• Precincts 33 and 35
• Precincts 45 and 46;
RESOLVED, That the new precinct voting boundaries indicated on the attached Precinct Maps and Precinct Descriptions be approved;
RESOLVED, That the new precinct boundaries as indicated on the attached Precinct Map and Precinct Descriptions be effective immediately;
RESOLVED, That the attached polling place assignments and numeric naming of precincts be approved;
RESOLVED, That the City Clerk be authorized to take any administrative action necessary to implement this resolution; and
RESOLVED, That a certified copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Washtenaw County Clerk and the Michigan Secretary of State, Bureau of Elections.