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4w ago

Hamtramck Mayoral Count Stalls as 37 Uncounted Ballots Prompt Clerk’s Suspension and Residency Suit

A residency challenge and parallel state and county probes now frame the unresolved contest.

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Hamtramck’s contentious mayoral race faces new complications as the city clerk is placed on administrative leave and one candidate files a lawsuit challenging his opponent’s eligibility to serve.

Overview

  • Unofficial results show Adam Alharbi leading Muhith Mahmood 2,009 to 1,998, with certification pending before the Wayne County Board of Canvassers scheduled to meet on Nov. 13.
  • City Clerk Rana Faraj is on administrative leave after the discovery of 37 uncounted ballots, a matter referred to the Michigan Secretary of State for investigation.
  • Michigan State Police are investigating allegations involving Mahmood and Councilman Abu Musa, while the Monroe County Prosecutor is handling aspects to avoid a conflict of interest in Wayne County.
  • Alharbi filed a Wayne County Circuit Court lawsuit alleging Mahmood fails the city’s one-year residency requirement, naming Mahmood, Faraj, the City Council, and the Wayne County Board of Canvassers, and seeking to block any swearing-in.
  • Muhith Mahmood denies the residency and fraud accusations, and Alharbi says Mahmood has sought a recount in the race decided by an 11-vote margin.