August 11, 2011 (Issue 2011-34)

As you may know, Governor Snyder signed two bills into law on Tuesday, August 9 -- PA 128 (HB 4780 - which covers congressional redistricting) and PA 129 (SB 498 - which covers state legislative redistricting).   The new laws can be found at www.legislature.mi.gov. 

While this is a major step forward in preparing for the redistricting changes that will go into place next year, it is important to note that the new Congressional and State House Districts will not be used in any election until the August 2012 Primary, and the new State Senate Districts will not be used in any election until the August 2014 Primary.  Until those dates, any special elections must utilize existing districts.  It is equally important to note that PA 128 and/or PA 129 could be subject to litigation.  If this happens, the boundaries of the new districts will not be certain until the litigation is resolved.

Redistricting will require major modifications to the Qualified Voter File (QVF) system, particularly the QVF street index.  These changes will not be in place or available for at least several months.   There will be no redistricting-related changes to the QVF street index at this time. 

The Bureau of Elections will coordinate the process of making the QVF changes and communicating the related requirements that will affect the clerk community.  We are in the process of developing a detailed plan and timeline for all tasks and activities involved in this process, and will be communicating with all county, city and township clerks on an ongoing basis.  Specific requirements, timeframes and needs related to your role in making these changes will be the focus of these communications.

There is no immediate need for local jurisdictions to begin making precinct-level redistricting changes.  However, city and township election commissions may begin the process of evaluating precinct boundary changes that may be necessary as a result of new congressional and legislative district lines.  Most counties have completed county commissioner district changes, and any preliminary efforts to evaluate and plan for precinct boundary changes must also consider the new county commissioner districts, together with a goal of reducing or eliminating district splits within precincts.  (Precinct redistricting is covered in Michigan Election Law, MCL 168.656(3)).

Cities and townships should NOT send out new voter identification cards at this time.  Wait until the redistricting process is complete to avoid having to send cards more than once.  

Cities and townships should not submit precinct-level QVF street index changes related to redistricting until directed to do so by the Bureau of Elections.  Detailed instructions on the information required to process precinct changes will follow in a separate communication at the appropriate time.

As part of the redistricting planning process, we will establish a dedicated website to provide all pertinent information related to these redistricting efforts.  We will notify you as soon as this website becomes available, and will provide more detailed information on the overall plan and timeframes very soon.

Questions?  Please contact the Bureau of Elections at 1-800-292-5973.