Great Lakes Wire

Common Cause Michigan has drawn attention to the ongoing vacancy in the 35th State Senate District, noting that August 5 would have been election day if a special election had been called. The seat has remained empty since January 3, when Kristen McDonald Rivet resigned after being sworn into Congress.

“For thousands of Michiganders, today is a reminder the Governor does not believe they deserve representation in the State Senate,” said Quentin Turner, Michigan Executive Director of Common Cause. “Set the election date, hold the election, and give all voters the representation that is their constitutional right. Her own lieutenant governor and the attorney general agree – call the election.”

According to Common Cause Michigan, it is the responsibility of the governor to set dates for special primary and general elections to fill such vacancies. In previous years, these dates were set without delay. However, no explanation has been provided for why this process has not occurred in this instance.

The group states that as a result of this delay, residents of the district have lacked representation for seven months and do not know when they will be able to elect a new senator. Common Cause Michigan urges the governor to announce a special election date soon.