September 11, 2015
Friday, Sept. 11, 2015
LANSING, Mich. – Lt. Gov. Brian Calley today announced a primary election will be held on Nov. 3, 2015, and a general election on March 8, 2016, to ensure the House seats vacated by former state Reps. Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat will be filled as expeditiously as possible while minimizing costs to local communities and taxpayers.
“This determination ensures we can put this troubling situation behind us and continue our focus on moving Michigan forward and the issues that make a positive difference for all residents,” Calley said. “It’s imperative that everyone is represented and their voices are heard in Lansing as quickly as possible. By adding this question to the ballot on existing election dates, costs will be minimized to local governments, and voters will have ample time to research candidates and make the best decision as to who will next represent them.”
Courser, of the Lapeer area, resigned from the 82nd District seat in the early hours of Sept. 11, effective immediately. Gamrat, of Plainwell, was expelled from the 80th District by a two-thirds vote of the House, also on Sept. 11.
Article V, Sections 13 and 26 of the Michigan Constitution give authority to the lieutenant governor to call a special election when the governor is out of state. Currently, Snyder is on an investment mission in Japan.
Candidates who wish to be placed on the Nov. 3 primary ballot must file by Friday, Sept. 18 at 4 p.m. For additional information about elections in Michigan, visit the Secretary of State’s Elections website.
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