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Commissioners appoint county canvassers after committee split; Republican seat goes to Sharon Hastings
Summary
Jackson County commissioners selected Sharon Hastings for the Republican canvasser seat and reappointed Susan Smalley to the Democratic seat after a secret-ballot vote, following public comments from nominees and the county party chair.
Jackson County commissioners voted on Sept. 23 to fill two positions on the county board of canvassers, appointing Sharon Hastings to the Republican seat and reappointing Susan Smalley to the Democratic seat after a secret ballot election.
The county clerk announced the results of the ballots: for the Republican canvasser seat Hastings received five votes and Karen Wooten received four. For the Democratic seat Susan Smalley received six votes, Mary Gibbons two and Lauren Campbell one.
The vote followed public-comment statements from several nominees and a recommendation from the county Republican chair. Ross Jennings, chairman of the Jackson County Republican Committee, told the commissioners he supported Karen Wooten but praised all three Republican nominees. "I was able to choose three wonderful candidates," Jennings said.
Sharon Hastings, who currently serves on the board of canvassers and sought another term, addressed the commissioners during public comment. "I have served one full term, and I started in 2020 when I finished out a partial term," Hastings said, describing her experience working with county election staff. Democratic nominee Susan Smalley, a two-term canvasser, told the board she had served for eight years and had participated in recounts and other election work. "I've served for two terms now, so eight years," Smalley said.
The clerk cited state law in explaining the process. "According to MCL 168.24(c) section 3, the County Board of Commissioners within 10 of their annual meeting ... shall elect by ballot to each position one of the three nominees for this position," the clerk said while distributing ballots to commissioners.
The appointments concluded the committee process: a standing committee had split 2–2 on the Republican recommendation and had recommended Mary Gibbons for the Democratic seat before the full board balloted.
The newly appointed canvassers will serve in the roles established by state statute and county practice; commissioners did not take further action during the meeting on canvassers’ responsibilities or terms.
The ballots were counted in public by the clerk and announced to the board; the clerk confirmed the tallies and declared the winners.
