Our Feed

We are involved in our communities, our profession, and our clients' associations and activities.

Why are township officers selected from a partisan process?

Whether an election is partisan or non-partisan is a function of statutory law . The primary statutory source in Michigan for elections is the Michigan Election Law, MCL 168.1, et seq. This body of law sets forth the provisions that govern local elections, including the nomination and election of candidates for local offices (i.e., township offices). With respect to township offices, MCL 168.345 provides that candidates for township offices are selected at a partisan primary, “at which time the qualified and registered electors of each political party may vote for party candidates for township offices.” The candidate of “each political party to a township office” receiving the greatest number of votes shall be declared “the nominee . . .  of that political party.” MCL 168.355. As a result, township elections are inherently partisan. 

Recent Articles & Announcements

  1. Are elected or appointed officia...

    No. Elected officials are not employees under the Earned Sick Time Act and will not be entitled to paid sick time. Appointed officials in a ...

    Read More
  2. Preparing Your Township to Compl...

    A new mandatory paid sick time law will go into effect for all Michigan employers next year. After a lengthy legal battle, the Michigan Supr...

    Read More
  3. Some Tips Before Entering Into a...

    Negotiating and drafting municipal construction contracts can be a stressful process for Board or Council members, even when ignoring the le...

    Read More
Talk to an Attorney
Request a Consultation

At Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC, we’ve been helping municipalities, franchised businesses, employers, and more with their legal needs since 2008. We’d love to learn how we can help you, too.