Implementing Proposal 2-22, passed by voters statewide last November, has become a major headache for clerks in Allegan County.

Martin Township apparently is looking to share costs and duties for a mandated nine-day early voting period rather than handle the process alone. Clerk Jennifer Wharton said prospects are for Martin to work with Otsego, Gun Plain and Watson townships and the City of Plainwell on setting up one site where voters can walk in to vote in elections in 2024.

The City of Wayland, according to Clerk Lee Ann Clausen, president of the Allegan County Clerks Association, is heavily considering a collaborative effort with Leighton, Wayland and Dorr townships.

State Rep. Rachelle Smit, who formerly was Martin Township Clerk, appeared at both Wayland City Council Monday and Martin Township Wednesday, said, “This (Proposal 2) is going to force all these small districts to partner… There’s going to be a max exodus of clerks (b because of Proposal 2),” she said, adding she personally knows five local clerks already considering stepping down after 2024.

The deadline for local municipalities’ clerks to submit their intentions for next year’s three elections, the presidential primary, the August primary and the general election, is Sept. 30.

Voters last November passed Proposal 2-22, which permits people to vote in the nine days before the elections and mandates they be provided the places to cast their ballots.

Many local clerks have protested, saying the new rules are cumbersome and could be costly.

A State Senate bill passed that permitted local clerks to work together on a county-wide basis, but Allegan County Clerk Bob Genetski said this county will not participate.

In other business Wednesday night, the Martin Township Board:

• Learned from Craig Atwood of the Allegan County Road Commission that there are plans for 124th Avenue to be paved next year, but Township Supervisor Glenn Lee insisted it needs to be paved now.
• Adopted an ordinance and resolution permitting a couple of residents in the flood plain near 116th Avenue by the Gun River to purchase flood insurance from the government.