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Canvassers approve administrative rules on recounts, prepare JCAR package
Summary
The board approved draft administrative rules for the conduct of election recounts, accepted public comments received during rulemaking, and authorized staff to submit the package and materials to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) for legislative review.
The Michigan Board of State Canvassers voted to approve proposed administrative rules governing the conduct of election recounts and authorized the Bureau of Elections to complete the rulemaking process and transmit the package to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.
Director Bridal said the proposed rules largely track recent legislative action and were developed following a public rulemaking hearing. “We did hold, as required, a rulemaking hearing on this, a public hearing, and the materials you have reflect some of the comments we received during that hearing,” Director Bridal said, noting staff received one written comment from Joe Roselle and that the agency accepted his recommendations and incorporated changes.
Adam, a Bureau of Elections staffer, explained the next steps for administrative rulemaking: staff will assemble a JCAR report containing published notices, newspaper affidavits, the rule text and a summary of public comment, then transmit the package to JCAR. He said JCAR may waive remaining session days, introduce legislation, or request further changes.
Board members moved to approve the draft rules and to authorize the Bureau of Elections to act on the board’s behalf for the remainder of promulgation. The motion passed on a voice vote recorded as 'Aye.'
Why it matters: Recount procedures determine how post‑election ballot reviews are conducted; updating rules now aligns administrative practice with recent legislative changes and sets the process for how recounts will be managed in upcoming elections.
Next steps: Staff will post the required materials online, file the JCAR report, and report back to the board on JCAR’s decisions.
