Mount Clemens commission approves temporary consolidation of Precinct 5 with Precinct 6 for November election

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to temporarily relocate Voting Precinct Number 5 from the Karnes Jermaine Jackson Community Center to City Hall and consolidate it with Precinct Number 6 for the November election, the City Clerk told the commission.

The City Clerk’s office said turnout at Precinct 5 has been extremely low because many registered voters there vote absentee. “Since so many of the registered voters at Precinct Number 5 already vote by absentee ballot, the turnout at Karnes Community Center is extremely low,” the City Clerk said, noting the Election Commission approved the relocation on July 31, 2019.

The Clerk also cited Michigan Election Law, warning that “a voting precinct cannot be moved less than 60 days prior to an election,” and laid out steps to notify affected voters. Notices will be mailed in September, posted on the city’s Facebook page and website, and signs will be placed at the Karnes Community Center entrance directing voters to City Hall, the Clerk said.

Commissioners asked whether previous relocations reduced overall turnout and whether the change should be made permanent to save equipment, staffing and rental costs. The Clerk said prior temporary relocations were conducted in 2018 without complaints and that consolidating precincts helps reduce election administration costs.

The commission approved the temporary relocation and consolidation on a roll-call vote; Commissioner Campbell was excused. The City Clerk’s office will proceed with voter notification and signage as outlined.

What happens next: the Clerk will mail notices and post public information in September and implement signage to direct affected voters to City Hall for the November election.