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If no one applies for an open position, can a township board appoint someone that is not a registered voter?

No. Township offices can only be occupied by registered electors. A person is not eligible for a township office unless the person is a registered and qualified elector of the township. MCL 168.342. A qualified elector is at least 18 years old, a resident of the state for six months, and has resided in the township for 30 days. US Const, Am XXVI; Const 1963, art II, § 1; MCL 168.10. If the person is a qualified elector, but unregistered, the person could register as an elector to be eligible for the township office. A person may register as an elector if they are a United States citizen, at least 18 years old, a state resident for at least 30 days, and a resident of the township at least 30 days before the next election. MCL 168.492.

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