Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Elections topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Leelanau commissioners appoint two canvassers despite conflict concerns from one member
Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners appointed Kasey Yoder and Brigid Hart to four-year terms on the county Board of Canvassers over a 6-1 vote after Commissioner Alan Campbell said the appointment of the chairman’s wife gave him pause though he acknowledged the appointments were legally proper.
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners voted 6-1 on Oct. 14 to appoint Kasey Yoder and Brigid Hart to four-year terms on the Leelanau County Board of Canvassers, effective Nov. 1, 2025, through Oct. 31, 2029.
Commissioner Mark Walter moved for the appointments and the motion was seconded and approved. Commissioner Alan Campbell cast the lone no vote and said his opposition was not about the appointee’s qualifications but the appearance of having the chairman’s spouse on the canvass board. "It just doesn’t feel right," Campbell said, while acknowledging the county clerk processed the appointment through legal channels.
The canvassers review and certify election results and play a formal role in post-election procedures. County Clerk Michelle L. Crocker provided procedural background on the appointments during the meeting and the written appointment materials were filed with the county.
Supporters of the appointments, including Commissioner Gwenne Allgaier, said she trusts the clerk’s process and does not believe marital relationship alone disqualifies a candidate. The Board did not take additional procedural steps such as deferring the appointment or soliciting outside review.
The appointments drew public attention because of the relationship noted by Commissioner Campbell; no motion to rescind or amend the appointments was introduced at the meeting. The county’s written materials for the appointment are on file with the Clerk’s office.
