Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday sent a letter to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, requesting special elections to fill multiple legislative vacancies.
According to Whitmer, elections are needed to ensure that all residents of the states are equally represented in government.
“As a state, it is critical that we take the appropriate steps to ensure that all Michiganders are fairly, justly, and equitably represented at all levels of government,” said Whitmer. “By calling a special election, we can ensure that those vacant seats are filled and that the constituents of 36th, 43rd, and 74th districts have a democratically elected representative working for their best interests in Lansing.”
Both State Senators Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Township) and Mark Huizenga (R-Walker) left their positions when they won a special election for a position in the Michigan Senate. The lawmakers represented the 36th and the 74th district, respectively.
The 43rd district was left open by the passing of Andrea Schroeder (R-Independence Township), following a battle with stomach cancer.
“The Department of State stands ready to work with local and county election officials to implement the special elections this Spring,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Filling these partial terms before districts change will assist election officials in an orderly redistricting process and 2022 election cycle.”
Whitmer requested a special primary election to fill the vacancies be scheduled on March 1, 2022, and the general election to be held on May 3, 2022.
Following Whitmer’s declaration, candidates will have until January 7 to file affidavits of identity and nominating petitions.
Notably, the governor’s request does not include Representative Abdullah Hammoud’s (D-Dearborn) seat, which will be empty following his victory in his campaign for Dearborn mayor. Whitmer detailed that she will issue an addiction call for an election when he resigns from his seat.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Gretchen Whitmer” by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Background Photo “Michigan State Capitol” by jasongillman.
