LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that a special primary election will be held in August, and a special election will be held in November to fill the vacancy in the 19th District of the Michigan Senate.

The special primary election will be held Tuesday, August 4, 2009, with the special election held on Tuesday, November 3, 2009.  The deadline for Democratic and Republican candidates to file nominating petitions or filing fees is 4:00 p.m. May 12, 2009.  Additionally, candidates without party affiliation may file qualifying petitions until 4:00 p.m. May 12, 2009.

The 19th Senate District vacancy was created by the resignation of State Senator Mark Schauer following his recent election to serve in the 7th District of the U.S. House of Representatives.  The 19th District is located within Calhoun County and Jackson County and includes the cities of Jackson and Battle Creek.

Under the Michigan Constitution and Michigan Election Law, the decision on the selection of dates for a special election to fill a vacancy in the office of state representative or state senator is left to the discretion of the governor.

# # #