It’s not buying votes, but it is possible to “buy” a spot on the ballot for local school boards in the Monday, June 9 election.
A revision to Public Act 431 now allows a candidate to pay a $100 fee instead of filing the traditional nominating petitions.
“You don’t even need to go out and get signatures anymore,” said Brandon Superintendent Bart Jenniches at the Monday, Feb. 10 school board meeting.
For those who want to take the traditional route, state law sets a minimum number of nominating signatures. In the Brandon School District, it will take at least 40 signatures from registered voters in the district. Those desiring to run for the Goodrich Area Schools Board of Education must have valid signatures from at least six district residents.
Regardless of the method, the deadline is 4 p.m. Monday, April 7. In addition to the nominating petitions or the filing fee, candidates must complete an “affidavit of identity.” All needed documents are available at the respective district offices (located at their respective high school buildings).
All school board terms of office are four years. In Brandon, the terms of trustees Beth Nuccio and Ken Quisenberry will expire this year. In Goodrich, seats currently held by Shirley Kautman-Jones and Kenneth Rappuhn will be up for election.
For more election information in Brandon, call (248) 627-1811. In Goodrich, call (810) 591-2201.