The Calhoun County Clerk – Elections Office received Recall Petition Language from Emmett Charter Township registered voter Jim Mead desiring to recall Emmett Charter Township Supervisor Deb Belles.
Michigan Election Law requires the County Election Commission to review the language of recall petitions before they can be circulated. The Calhoun County Clerk, County Treasurer, and the County Probate Judge will hold a Clarity/Factual Review Hearing on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, beginning at 12:30pm in the Calhoun County Building located at 315 W Green St, Marshall MI. The meeting will convene in the Board of Commissioners Chambers on the third floor. ***Please note the change in hearing start time due to additional language to be considered, from Wednesday's press release.***
The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether each reason for the recall stated in the petitions is factual and of sufficient clarity to enable the officer whose recall is sought and the electors to identify the course of conduct that is the basis for the recall. The hearing is NOT for the purpose of debating the merit of the allegations. The Commission does not have the authority to rule on the reasons for recall as only the clarity and factual nature of the recall language is subject to the Commission’s review.
Several references to Recall law and procedures are posted on the Elections website under FOIAs, Recalls, and Recounts. Details such as the recall language submitted, sponsor, officeholder, signature requirements, timelines, and procedures are included in the Summary of Details document.
The Calhoun County Clerk – Elections Office had previously received Recall Petition Language from Emmett Charter Township registered voter Gavin Powell desiring to recall Emmett Charter Township Trustee Jim Mead. The Calhoun County elections Commission will be reviewing the language of both Trustee Mead & Supervisor Belles at the hearing January 18, 2023.
