State Canvassers certify nominees for 52nd District Court, 3rd Division

The Michigan Board of State Canvassers voted to certify two candidates for the 52nd District Court, 3rd Division, to the Secretary of State for the Nov. 5, 2024, general election.

Director Bridal, reporting for the Department of State's Bureau of Elections, said a retirement created a timing issue that prevented the appointed judge from filing an affidavit of candidacy in time for the August ballot. Staff extended the petition deadline and reviewed submitted nominating petitions. “The list you have before you contains the candidates who have filed a nominating petition, which is found to be sufficient under review carried out by staff,” Director Bridal said. He told the board that two individuals filed petitions and that no challenges were filed during the review.

A board member moved to accept the staff recommendation, find the petitions sufficient, and certify the candidates to the Secretary of State for placement on the Nov. 5 ballot. The motion passed on a voice vote recorded as 'Aye.'

Why it matters: Certification determines whether names appear on the ballot and can be decisive in a judicial contest created by late changes in incumbency or retirement. Staff said the board will apply the same review standards used in prior similar situations and will designate the sitting judge as the incumbent on the ballot where applicable.

Next steps: The certified candidates will appear on the November ballot; the board did not record any pending legal challenges to this matter at the time of the vote.