Michigan Legislature Introduces Bill to Amend Presidential Election Law

Strategic Insights -

The Michigan Legislature has issued details of a newly introduced bill that aims to amend the state's election law regarding the selection of presidential electors. The bill, aimed at clarifying the process of choosing electors, would require each party to choose a number of candidates for electors equal to the number of senators and representatives in Congress that the state is entitled to elect. This includes choosing one elector from each congressional district and two electors at large. The candidates would be certified by the state central committee of each party and submitted to the secretary of state.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bill aims to amend the 1954 Michigan election law (PA 116) to clarify the process of choosing presidential electors.
  • Each party must choose a number of candidates for electors equal to the number of senators and representatives in Congress that the state is entitled to elect.
  • This includes choosing one elector from each congressional district and two electors at large.
  • The candidates would be certified by the state central committee of each party and submitted to the secretary of state.
  • A candidate is considered elected from a congressional district if their party receives the most votes for president in that district.
  • A candidate is considered elected at-large if their party receives the most votes for president in the state.
  • The bill requires the chairperson and secretary of the state central committee to submit the certified candidates to the secretary of state within one business day.
  • The election law amendment would apply in the year in which presidential electors are to be elected under Section 43.

Statistics:

  • The bill aims to amend the 1954 Michigan election law, which is entitled "Michigan election law" (MCL 168.42).
  • The bill requires each party to choose a number of candidates for electors equal to the number of senators and representatives in Congress.
  • The bill stipulates one elector shall be chosen from each congressional district.
  • Two presidential electors shall be chosen at large.
  • The chairperson and secretary of the state central committee of each party must submit the certified candidates to the secretary of state within one business day.

Sources:

  • 1954 PA 116, "Michigan election law"
  • 1999 PA 216, "Amendment to Michigan election law"