Title
Resolution to Permanently Relocate Precinct 2-14 from Palmer Commons, 100 Washtenaw Avenue, to Angell Elementary School, 1608 S. University Avenue, Beginning with the November 5, 2024 General Election
Memorandum
Following approval of Early Voting and No-Reason Absentee Voting, changes were made to Michigan Election Law allowing precinct sizes to increase with an anticipated lower Election Day turnout. Precincts 2-14 and 2-15 were consolidated as a result of these changes in late 2023 with 5 other consolidated precincts, reducing the City’s Election Day precincts to 47. The newly combined Precinct 2-14 was assigned to Palmer Commons with some voters in the new larger precinct moving from Angell Elementary.
Following two elections at Palmer Commons, the Clerk’s Office has become aware that many residents in the former 2-15 precinct find the new polling location inconvenient and difficult to navigate for those unfamiliar with campus. Voters not affiliated with campus have also expressed concerns regarding parking and other access issues. In addition, many student voters assigned to this location now register and vote in advance of Election Day utilizing the City’s satellite office at UMMA and would not be negatively affected by a change of location. It is therefore recommended that Precinct 2-14 be moved to Angell Elementary, the polling place that many of these voters were assigned to prior to precinct consolidation. The existing precinct 2-16 will also remain at Angell Elementary. Prior to precinct consolidation, Angell was home to two precincts, so the site is known to be able to accommodate two precincts. The Ann Arbor Schools are supportive of two precincts being assigned permanently to Angell Elementary.
The City Election Commission recommended approval of this resolution at their meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
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 Palmer Commons on November 5 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 become aware that the newly consolidated Precinct 2-14 contains many in-person Election Day voters from the Angell School neighborhood;
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Public Schools’ Angell Elementary, located at 1608 S. University has agreed to be a permanent polling place, co-locating with the existing Precinct 2-16 at this location;
Whereas, Angell Elementary School is easily accessible to voters in Precinct 2-14, including voters with disabilities;
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 2-14 to Angell Elementary, located at 1608 S. University, 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 and Councilmember Watson