Yesterday the House Elections and Ethics committee considered HBs 4393-4397, a package that would change filing deadlines for local ballot questions from the current time of 70 days before an election to the 15th Tuesday before the election.

These changes were requested by the municipal and county clerks to make the ballot question filing timeframe consistent with the filing deadline for candidates. In addition the clerks want to ensure enough time for military voting in accordance with changes made last year.

The committee did not vote on the legislation but are expected to in April following spring break.

Samantha Harkins is the Director of State Affairs for the League. She can be reached at 517-908-0306 and sharkins at mml.org.