Title
Resolution to Approve the Location and Hours of a City Clerk Satellite Office on the University of Michigan Campus for the November 2020 General Election
Memorandum
Upon the direction of the City Council, the City Clerk has negotiated a site for a satellite office for the November 2020 General Election on the campus of the University of Michigan. In consultation with the Office of Government Relations, the University and the City Clerk have determined that space at the University Art Museum, located at 525 S. State Street, will provide maximum exposure, access and visibility for voter registration opportunities and access to absentee (early) ballots for the campus community.
The attached map shows the geographic residency location of each voter who registered to vote at City Hall on March 9 and March 10, 2020, during the first major election where same-day voter registration was available to new voters, following the passage of Proposition 18-3. The vast majority of those new registrations were from voters living on or near central campus, highlighting the need for a satellite office to serve the campus community.
In partnership with the Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design, the satellite office at the Art Museum will include artistic design elements, and promotional and voter education materials, leading up to Election Day on November 3, 2020.
Michigan Election Law requires the approval of the location and hours by the City Council, similar to the process for establishing a polling place.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The City Clerk’s Office has an approved budget for the set-up, acquisition of materials and supplies, and for staffing of a satellite office. The University is not charging for the use of the space in the museum.
Staff
Prepared by: Jacqueline Beaudry, City Clerk
Reviewed by: Matt Thomas, Assistant City Attorney
Reviewed by: John Fournier, Assistant City Administrator
Approved by: Tom Crawford, Interim City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Article II, Section 4 (f) and (g) of the Michigan Constitution establish the following rights: 1) Absentee balloting for all voters who choose to vote in that manner; 2) Voter registration any time before and during election day; 3) Voting immediately upon registration; and 4) Availability of at least eight hours during the Saturday or Sunday prior to an election during which time citizens may register and or vote;
Whereas, Michigan Election Law, MCL 168.761b(3), permits the clerk of a city or township to specify additional locations and hours that the clerk will be available to issue and receive absent voter ballots, upon the approval by resolution of the governing body of a city or township;
Whereas, The Ann Arbor City Council enacted R-19-524, a Resolution to Develop a Plan to Expand Access to Voting and Registration Beyond the Minimum Required by the Michigan Constitution for Even-Year November General Elections;
Whereas, R-19-524, directed that the plan include registration and absentee balloting at a satellite location designed to improve access over exclusive reliance on the Office of the City Clerk in City Hall for even-year November General Elections; and
Whereas, The University of Michigan Art Museum is a well-known landmark on the University of Michigan Campus accessible to students, other members of the campus community; and the general public;
RESOLVED, That the Ann Arbor City Council acknowledges and approves the location and hours recommended by the Ann Arbor City Clerk:
University of Michigan Art Museum, 525 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
• September 22* - October 23: Monday through Friday 10:00a.m.- 7:00p.m.
• *Voter registration only until September 24 when absentee balloting begins
• October 24 - November 1: Monday through Friday 10:00a.m. - 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.
• November 2: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• November 3: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
RESOLVED, That at least 30 days before the date of the election, the City Clerk shall post and notify the Secretary of State, concerning the additional location and hours that the clerk will be available to issue and receive absent voter ballots at the satellite office; and
RESOLVED, That the City Clerk and City Administrator be authorized to take all other action necessary to implement this resolution, including entering into an agreement with the University of Michigan for use of the space.