News File Photo The Alpena County courthouse is seen in this August 2021 News archive photo.

ALPENA – A new ordinance, or policy, is in the works pertaining to signature gathering on Alpena County owned property and facilities.

If a new ordinance or policy is passed, it will not impact local groups who want to protest, march, or rally on county property, County Administrator Jesse Osmer said.

“The commissioners were very quick to say they didn’t want to do that and nothing in regards to that is going to change, ” Osmer said.

Osmer said the county was approached about allowing a group to collect signatures. Before responding, he said he discussed the issue with the commissioners and the idea of updating its rules began to be considered. He also instructed the County Clerk to reach out to the Secretary of State for more information.

“We received a request in October from a group interested in collecting signatures to require ID at the polls,” Osmer said. “Specifically, they mentioned the possibility of gathering signatures inside government buildings during inclement weather.”

“In reviewing our policies and ordinances, I could not readily find where this was addressed and so I took the matter to the board for directive,” Osmer said.

With no specific ordinance on this topic the matter was tabled until the new year began, Osmer said.

“Unfortunately, due to budget deadlines and other more pressing matters, this particular matter was put on hold until the new year; as such it was put on the Facilities Committee agenda for discussion before going to full board next week,” Osmer explained.

Osmer said the Secretary of State has already responded to the county.

“Our Clerk reached out to Secretary Benson’s office and the Bureau of Elections for guidance in early November of 2025,” Osmer said. “They replied with a number of possibilities, however, in the end they stated that our safest course of action is to not let anyone circulate petitions on county property.”

Osmer was directed at the most recent meeting to further investigate and originate a policy or ordinance to be brought before the board for consideration.

Osmer wants to make it clear, there is a difference between rallies, or protests, and signature gathering.

“Petition circulating or signature gathering is a somewhat different matter as you have individuals approaching others and soliciting signatures; with Secretary Benson’s department suggesting we not allow it, we will be reaching out to see how other counties in northern Michigan handle this type of issue,” Osmer said.

When asked for a timeline for developing the new ordinance there are a few factors to consider.

“My hope is to have a draft ready by next week, but it could take an additional two weeks depending on whether I’m able to track down the information needed to develop the recommended language,” Osmer explained. “The board will then need to discuss the matter and deliberate whether to pass the language as presented or make minor changes.

Establishing the difference between whether this is a policy or ordinance could play a factor in any timeline.

“Whether this is a policy or ordinance is another matter and could change the timeline,” Osmer said.