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Board finds recall‑petition reason against Rep. Herzberg sufficiently clear
Summary
The Board of State Canvassers determined the printed reason for recall against state Representative Peter Herzberg met the statutory clarity requirement and accepted Keith Butkovich’s petition for circulation.
The Michigan Board of State Canvassers voted July 10 to determine that the reasons printed on a recall petition submitted by Keith Butkovich against state Representative Peter Herzberg are factual and sufficiently clear for circulation.
Why it matters: The board reviews recall petitions to ensure the reasons printed on circulated forms meet statutory clarity requirements. The petition submitted by Mr. Butkovich cites Rep. Herzberg’s vote on House Bill 4170 (a bill to reduce the state personal income tax rate) as the factual basis for recall.
Petitioner Keith Butkovich told the board he seeks to circulate recalls because Representative Herzberg “voted against” House Bill 4170. Board members discussed the precedent of prior determinations in similar cases, and one member confirmed reviewing the House roll call to confirm Herzberg’s vote. After discussion a board member moved that the reasons printed on the petition are factual and sufficiently clear; another member seconded the motion. The board took a voice vote; the board recorded the motion as passing by voice (“Aye” recorded).
Board action: Motion to determine that the reasons for recall printed on the petition were factual and sufficiently clear (motion moved and seconded). The board recorded a voice vote in favor and the motion passed. The board did not record individual roll‑call votes in the public transcript available from the meeting.
What’s next: With sufficiency determined, the petitioner may circulate recall petitions subject to applicable filing deadlines and statute. The board’s determination does not itself remove or restore a public official; it only clears the question of whether the petition language is sufficiently clear to be circulated.
