MARCH 31, 2005

A state Court of Appeals ruling allows Calhoun County voters to benefit from Michigan’s consolidated election law when they go to the polls May 3, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land said today.

"Consolidated elections is a key component of our ongoing initiative to modernize the voting process," said Land, Michigan’s chief election officer and a leading advocate of the law. "It adds greater convenience, consistency and cost-effectiveness to Michigan elections. This prudent Court of Appeals decision protects the upcoming Calhoun County election from needless disruption and confusion. I encourage all parties to move beyond the lawsuit and work to ensure an efficient, inclusive election on May 3."

A Court of Appeals panel reversed an Ingham County circuit judge’s order requiring the Calhoun County clerk to use previous school district precincts rather than new ones set by the county election commission. Establishing new precincts is one of the options provided under the consolidated election law.

The first elections under Michigan’s consolidation election law were Feb. 22. The law encourages voter turnout by limiting elections to four fixed dates each year. It also gives school districts the opportunity to reduce – and potentially eliminate – election costs by holding elections in conjunction with local or county jurisdictions.