Title
Policy Agenda Recommendations for the 2021 Fiscal Year from the Election Commission
Memorandum
The City Council Legislative Policy Agenda is a document that serves as statement of values for the City of Ann Arbor and provides policy guidance for City leaders and elected officials when engaging with state and federal policy makers. The Council Policy Agenda Committee drafts the agenda from suggestions from Council Members, Boards and Commissions, and staff and is provided to City Council for its adoption.
The Policy Agenda for the current year included one election related item:
* Support improved voter enfranchisement through the development of the nonpartisan redistricting commission, modification or elimination of term limits for elected officials at the state level, and implementation of early voting and "no reason" absentee balloting.
Body
Whereas, The Election Commission desires to provide policy guidance for City leaders and elected officials when engaging with state and federal policy makers on election Issues;
Whereas, Voters adopted a measure amending Section 4 of Article II of the Michigan Constitution, adding several provisions pertaining to voting rights including, allowing for same-day registration and adopting "no reason" absentee balloting; and
Whereas, Michigan Election Law places restrictions on Michigan voters exercising their constitutional rights;
RESOLVED, that the Election Commission recommends the following additions to the City Council Policy Agenda to improve voter enfranchisement:
* Advocate for and support changes to Michigan Election Law that would allow voters to receive absentee ballots for an entire calendar year with a single application.
* Advocate for and support changes to Michigan Election Law that would remove the current requirement to issue challenged ballots to electors registering in-person with the City Clerk during the fourteen-day period before an election who are not in possession of a Michigan Drive...
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