Precinct Consolidation Plan
During the Grand Rapids City Commission Committee of the Whole Meeting on Tuesday, April 15, City Clerk, Joel Hondorp, presenting on behalf of the City’s Election Commission, proposed changes to the existing “Voting Precincts” ordinance [to view Hondorp’s Consolidation Plan, click here].
The Election Commission proposed the changes following the passage of Proposal 3 in 2018 and Proposal 2 in 2022, giving voters various options to cast ballots in Michigan elections. These options include voting at home by absentee ballot, early in-person voting or on election day at their local precinct. With these new options in place, 57% of Grand Rapids voters voted before election day during the 2024 Presidential Election and Hondorp indicated the change in the local ordinance would allow for a better allocation of resources to meet the demandin increased early and absentee voting.
The City Commission was asked to vote on the first reading of an Ordinance to change the number of precincts from 74 to 59. During a robust conversation, the Mayor and Commissioners requested additional information and suggested potential amendments to the plan. Ultimately, the City Commission voted 6-1 to forward the Ordinance for potential adoption at its next meeting. To watch this portion of the meeting, click here.
On Thursday, April 17, Grand Rapids City Clerk Joel Hondorp issued the following statement:
“As City Clerk, I take the responsibility of ensuring every eligible Grand Rapidian has equal, free and fair access to participate in our elections very seriously. Due to recent changes in State law and shifts in voting trends, I and my colleagues on the Grand Rapids Election Commission recently brought forth proposed changes to the local “Voting Precincts” ordinance for the City Commission’s consideration. . . .This proposal allowed for shifting resources to early and absentee voting while still ensuring all Grand Rapidians would maintain access to in-person election day locations throughout the City. The proposed ordinance changes were presented to the City Commission on April 15, 2025 and I received robust feedback from the Mayor and Commissioners. They made several requests for additional information and suggested amendments to the proposal before finally voting to advance the draft ordinance for potential adoption at its next meeting on April 29, 2025. As requested, I will be bringing forth additional options for their consideration at that meeting. My office has, and always will, follow pertinent state and federal laws that protect voter’s rights.”
At the next City Commission meeting at 7 pm on Tuesday, April 29, the City Commission will:
hear options from the Clerk
take comments from the public
consider proposed changes to the ordinance which would update the current boundaries of certain voting precincts. City Commission meetings take place on the 9th floor of City Hall, which is located at 300 Monroe Avenue NW.
City Commission Meetings are held on the 9th floor of City Hall, which is located at 300 Monroe Avenue NW.