HB 5951 Summary

• Changes mandatory language from "shall" to "must" throughout the Michigan election law provisions governing township officers and elections.

• Modifies township trustee election requirements to allow up to 4 trustees in townships with 5,000+ population or 3,000+ registered electors, subject to voter approval.

• Updates ballot placement requirements to include free public library directors and township park commission members on the nonpartisan portion of ballots.

• Clarifies vacancy-filling procedures for township offices, including requirements that temporarily appointed officials must be from the same political party as the officer being replaced.

• Repeals Section 341 of the 1954 PA 116 (Michigan election law).