Wayland City Clerk Lee Ann Clausen today reported each municipality in Allegan County is on its own for handling early voting in the elections of 2024.
Though a state senate bill recently permitted every municipality in each of the 83 counties to work together to absorb the duties and costs of the nine-day early voting period, Allegan County Clerk Bob Genetski announced that this county will not participate in the program.
Clausen, president of the Allegan County Clerks Association, indicated the county’s decision is leaving local clerks high and dry.
Clausen posted today, “The county has opted out of assisting the local clerks on implementing the new early voting process. Clerks have three options — (1) Do nine days of early voting on your own. (2) Join forces with surrounding municipalities. (3) Enter into a county-wide agreement for an Early Voting Center for the nine days of early voting.
“Preliminary numbers for going alone for all elections in 2024 plus start-up costs would be approximately $38,965. Preliminary numbers if we were to enter into a county-wide agreement and shared costs with participating municipalities would be approximately $6,104 (for the City of Wayland).
“A survey was conducted earlier this week, 25 municipalities said they wanted to go with a county-wide agreement, four said they wanted to go alone and four were either undecided or unable to reach ( a decision). The overwhelming response of those wanting to enter into an agreement with the county should have spoken volumes.
Clausen said Genetski sent all clerks an e-mail outlining the county’s decision.
She continued, “As president of the Allegan County Clerks Association, I am very disappointed that our county was not willing to continue to take the time to work with their local clerks on a county-wide agreement. The passing of Prop 2022-2 (on the state-wide November 2022 ballot) has put a huge financial burden on the local municipalities. We feel that this would be a time we can all come together and work together, instead of leaving all high and dry.
“We had been in talks with the county, they were involved in a couple meetings regarding the possibility of moving forward with a county-wide agreement. The small group that was working with the county had put forth so much time and effort into putting together the logistics. We were all very shocked to receive this email.
“Local clerks are struggling to learn these new laws and figure out logistics. The state does not have the answers we need to make proper decisions at this point.
“According to SB367 local clerks are to have their plan sent to the county clerk no later than Sept. 30, 2023, for the upcoming 2024 election cycle.”
Geneski’s communication was as follows:
“Dear Clerks…
After much study, discussion and consultation with county officials, county clerks from throughout the state and some very quality discernment from many of you, PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALLEGAN COUNTY WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTING A COUNTYWIDE AGREEMENT FOR EARLY VOTING for 2024 and 2025.
“Looking at Senate Bill 367, which implemented the early voting options, page 7, Section 720d (2) “no later than 155 days before the first regularly scheduled statewide or federal election in an even numbered year, the clerk of each county shall notify the clerk of each municipality in that county regarding whether the county clerk intends to conduct early voting through an county agreement.
“Consider this email as notice. I wanted to make this decision and let you know as soon as possible so that you can consider the best options for your township or city between – conducting early voting on your own or entering into a municipal agreement with other jurisdictions near to you.
“I highly suggest that each local jurisdiction consider entering into a municipal agreement as an opportunity to share costs, election inspectors and duties (as spelled out in SB 367.
“The decision to not implement into a county agreement came about while considering that the municipal agreements give more options and flexibility to local clerks, the lack of current resources regarding a countywide agreement from the state, the proximity of polling locations to voters as well as the opportunity for ‘middle man’ confusion and mixing of duties (if you read the bill) regarding a county agreement.
“Having a clear decision from the county will make it easier for everyone to move forward and limit the number of decisions we all have to make.
“So, as of now, each jurisdiction throughout the county will have to decide between hosting nine days of early voting at your precinct or combining with other jurisdictions nearby to enter into a municipal agreement that would last at least two years.
“My office and I will work with the state, the ACCA and each of you individually to help with whatever you decide. According to the Senate Bill, you do not have to inform the county clerk which option you choose until 150 days before the election, but from what we are seeing, you probably will want to make that decision a little sooner.
“I highly recommend taking advantage of ACCA meetings and learning sessions in helping to make the best decision for you.”