Title
Resolution to Permanently Relocate Precinct 5-3 from Second Baptist Church, 850 Red Oak Drive, to Ann Arbor Open at Mack, 920 Miller Avenue Beginning with the March 10, 2020 Presidential Primary Election
Memorandum
The City Clerk’s Office is proposing a permanent relocation of the polling location for Ward 5, Precinct 3 (5-3), to nearby Ann Arbor Open at Mack, located at 920 Miller Avenue. Because the City already has a relationship with the Ann Arbor Public Schools regarding polling locations, with over 20 AAPS buildings used on election days, the relocation to Mack adds a number of logistical efficiencies for equipment deliveries, building access and scheduling. Currently, Second Baptist Church is the only polling location that the City does not have independent access to on election mornings, as access is dependent on a church member arrival to open the building.
Ann Arbor Open has previously served as a polling location, is geographically central to voters in this precinct, has ample parking and is accessible to voters with disabilities. In addition, the use of a public school building is generally preferred over a building affiliated with a religious institution. The Ann Arbor Public Schools have given their approval for relocation to their facility and the City Election Commission recommended approval of this resolution at their meeting on Thursday, December 5.
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 Second Baptist Church for all 2020 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: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City Clerk’s Office desires to relocate Precinct 5-3 to a public school building to ensure access to the building on election mornings;
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Public Schools have approved the relocation of Precinct 5-3 to Ann Arbor Open at Mack, located at 930 Miller Avenue;
Whereas, Ann Arbor Open is centrally located to voters in this precinct and is accessible to voters with disabilities; and
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 5-3 to Ann Arbor Open at Mack, 930 Miller Avenue, 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.