Title
Resolution to Temporarily Relocate Precincts 3-6 and 3-9 from Scarlett Middle School, 3300 Lorraine, to Mitchell Elementary School, 3550 Pittsview Drive, for the City Special Election on Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Memorandum
The City Clerk’s Office has been notified by the Ann Arbor Public Schools staff that Scarlett Middle School, the permanent polling location of Precincts 3-6 and 3-9, may not be available on November 2 due to ongoing renovation work in the building. Because of the uncertainty, the decision was made to move the polling site to nearby Mitchell Elementary so that voters could be notified in advance. While it has a unique address, the elementary school sits out in front of Scarlett and would be of minimal disruption to voters who normally vote at Scarlett on Election Day. Affected voters will return to their usual polling place at Scarlett for future elections. A similar change occurred in August 2020 at this location due to parking lot resurfacing and there were no complaints or issues resulting from the temporary relocation to Mitchell Elementary.
Pursuant to Michigan Election Law, City Council approval is required for a polling place location change, which occurs less than 60 days prior to an election due to unforeseen circumstances, such as “….because a polling place has been damaged, destroyed, or rendered inaccessible or otherwise unusable as a polling place.”
Upon approval by City Council, the City Clerk’s Office will begin promotion of the temporary change, such as press releases, website posting, etc. Signage will also be posted at entrances to Scarlett and Mitchell alerting voters of the change.
The City Clerk’s Office is requesting that City Council authorize the City Clerk and the City Administrator to take any necessary action to implement this resolution.
Staff
Prepared by: Jacqueline Beaudry, City Clerk
Reviewed and Approved by: John Fournier, Acting City Administrator
Body
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;
Whereas, Michigan Election Law, 168.662 (4), requires that a determination of a polling place change less than 60 days prior to an Election requires City Council approval and the change must be necessary because the current polling place has been damaged, destroyed, or rendered inaccessible or unusable;
Whereas, The City Clerk’s Office has been notified by the Ann Arbor Public Schools staff that Scarlett Middle School, the permanent polling location of Precincts 3-6 and 3-9, may not be accessible on November 2 due to ongoing building renovation;
Whereas, The City Clerk has located a suitable temporary polling place location for Precincts 3-6 and 3-9, which due to its accessible facilities and close proximity to the permanent site minimizes any adverse impacts to voters;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the temporary relocation of Precincts 3-6 and 3-9 to Mitchell Elementary School, located at 3550 Pittsview Drive, for the City Special Election to be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator and the City Clerk be authorized to take all action necessary to implement this resolution.