The suddenly unpopular Proposal 2 election law passed nearly a year ago by Michigan voters now has wreaked havoc in Martin Township as well.
Township Clerk Jennifer Wharton Wednesday night told Township Board members that the new law, which mandates local polls be open to voters for nine straight days before an election, has led to the resignation of Deputy Clerk Kerry DenBraber.
Wharton said DenBraber has a full-time job and cannot take time off work during the nine days, bu she has offered to help as much as she can.
Proposal 2 of 2022 was passed by more than 60 percent of the voters last November, but its insistence on polls being open for nine consecutive days before the presidential primary, primary and general elections in 2024 are proving to be burdensome for local clerks and their helpers.
The vast majority of local municipalities in Allegan County are planning to provide the services by themselves, even though a State Senate bill would enable them to share duties with neighboring townships, cities or villages.
One exception is that Hopkins and Monterey townships will share election responsibilities.
Because of DenBraber’s resignation, Wharton appointed her mother, Joann Double, to fill in as deputy clerk.
In other business at Wednesday night’s meeting, the board:
- Was told by liaison John Schipper that the Planning Commission is working on a solar ordinance and hopes to have it ready for a public hearing in December.
- Learned from Treasurer Sue Tiemeyer that the township has earned $3,304 in savings account interest this month from United Bank.
