Events impacting the 11th District Congressional Elections

11th Congressional District Election

• Thaddeus McCotter (R) was elected to the US House of Representatives representing Michigan’s 11th Congressional District.
  • He first assumed office in January 2003. He has been re-elected in each subsequent election.
  • His current term of office in the 112th Congress ends January 1, 2013.
• Michigan’s 11th District boundaries were changed for the 113th Congress as a result of the 2010 census.
• In May 2012, McCotter submitted petitions to the election commission as required to certify his candidacy for the 11th District seat in the 113th Congress.
  • The commission determined that many of the signatures were invalid because they were illegally attached to the petitions and/or were forged.
  • The commission ruled that McCotter failed to meet the requirement of 1,000 valid signatures and therefore he did not qualify as a candidate.
• On July 6, 2012, McCotter announced his resignation from his elected office – effective immediately.
  • This left the citizens of the 11th District of the 112th Congress without representation.
• McCotter failed to announce his resignation in time for candidates to fill the remaining term of the 112th Congress to be on the already-scheduled August 7th primary.
• Governor Snyder determined that a special election primary would be held on September 5, 2012, for the sole purpose of electing candidates for McCotter’s vacated seat. If only one candidate from each recognized party met the qualifications for candidacy no Special Primary would be needed.
  • Governor Snyder’s decision will cost Oakland and Wayne Counties and the communities involved approximately $650,000 according to the Detroit Free Press.
• One Democrat (David Curson) qualified for the special primary election for the old 11th District September 5th
• Five Republicans qualified (Carolyn Cavanaugh, Kenneth Crider, Steve King, Kerry Bentivolio and Nancy Cassis).
• A Special Primary Election will be held on September 5, 2012 (Wednesday) from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM to determine the Republican candidate for McCotter’s term of office expiring on January 2, 2013 at a cost of approximately $650,000 to Michigan taxpayers.

In the August 7, 2012 regular primary election for the 11th District, 113th Congress

• Democratic candidate Syed Taj defeated Democrat Bill Roberts.
• Republican candidate Kerry Bentivolio defeated Republicans Nancy Cassis and Rev Drexel Morton.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012 Elections:

• The “Special Election” for the remaining term of the 112th Congress – old 11th District (McCotter’s vacated seat)
• The full term of office for the 113th Congress – new 11th District will be held

What are your voting choices for your district?

Use this chart to find your choices. If you are registered in one of the cities highlighted in blue, you will be able to vote for BOTH Dave Curson for the 112th Congress AND Syed Taj for the 113th Congress.

Note:
Your ballot will show all of your choices. Some communities are split into more than one congressional district. To ensure accuracy, please go to www.michigan.gov/vote/ to see a sample ballot for your specific precinct. and your voting location.

Please contact us to report any discrepancies.

Related articles

• Dave Curson interviewed by Tony Trupiano
• Republicans in Strong Position to Keep U.S. House Control
• The Do-Nothing GOP: Why The GOP-Led House Isn’t Working
• GOP Primary For Last Weeks Of Rep. McCotter’s Term