Note From Dillon: Election Date Bills and Potential Impacts for Michigan Libraries

This month, both the House and Senate introduced separate bill packages that would reshape election dates in Michigan. While the packages differ in their intent and scope, the House bills would limit the ability of public libraries and municipalities to request property tax millage renewals or increases. Alternatively, the Senate bill focuses on shifting when elections occur rather than restricting which elections local units can access for funding requests.

House Bill 4583 (HB 4583) would require public libraries and other local taxing units to place millage questions on the November ballot. By limiting the ability of public libraries to determine when property tax millages are allowed on the ballot, the legislation usurps independent local control.

MLA Opposes HB 4583 and any legislation restricting election dates. On average, nearly 80% of funding for Michigan public libraries comes from dedicated millages. Losing funding at the ballot box could result in some public libraries permanently closing. If HB 4583 is signed into law, there will be no opportunity for libraries to regroup and return to voters in the same calendar year if a millage fails. Only allowing for an November election date could also slow the process for new municipalities to be added within the boundaries of a district library, delaying residents' access to essential library services.

Historically, Michigan’s November ballot can be crowded, and library millage proposals could get lost in the shuffle. Under Michigan law, local units like public libraries fall last in line when they appear on election ballots, behind statewide proposals, county proposals, city or township proposals, and school district proposals. HB 4583 could lead to voter fatigue and multi-page election ballots where funding proposals from libraries appear dead last.

Unlike the House package, Senate Bill 691 (SB 691) focuses on changing rather than eliminating election dates. The bill would move the traditional August primary election to May. This approach maintains three election opportunities throughout the year, preserving access to the ballot for libraries and other local government units. This framework differs significantly from House proposals like HB 4583 by preserving local flexibility and avoiding a single-day system for ballot questions. SB 691’s less restrictive approach allows libraries and other local units to align election timing with community needs while adapting to a revised statewide election schedule.

MLA will continue to monitor these proposals closely, with particular attention to their impact on local control and library funding. We’ll be sure to keep Michigan libraries informed and prepared for any next steps or action items.