Hamtramck’s mayoral race remains unresolved nearly a year after voters went to the polls, with a recount request now officially filed. This latest development follows the recent counting of disputed absentee ballots that could change the outcome of one of Michigan's closest elections.
Last Friday, the Wayne County Board of Canvassers, acting on a court order, counted 37 absentee ballots that had been long-disputed. Of these ballots, 29 votes were tallied for challenger Muhith Mahmood, while current Mayor Adam Alharbi received 6 votes. Two additional votes were identified as write-ins. This count has created the possibility of a flip in the mayoral contest.
Following this count, attorney Nabih Ayad, representing Mayor Adam Alharbi, filed a request for a recount on Monday. Ayad stated that the aim of this request is to demonstrate that the newly counted ballots were "tainted from the start." He cited several alleged violations, including that the ballots were discovered two days after the election had closed, that they were found open, and that they had been kept in an unsecure area.
Challenger Muhith Mahmood has indicated he is not surprised by the appeal. The former city council member expressed confidence in the integrity of the votes, suggesting they would not have been counted had their validity been in question. Mahmood commented that Mayor Alharbi could have avoided the current protracted process if these ballots had been counted initially, suggesting the mayor had benefited from a year without this outcome. Mahmood also affirmed his confidence in the counting process, stating that he saw no confusion because the ballot had been sincerely reviewed.
The legal battle over these votes began last November when the 37 absentee ballots were initially discovered in the Hamtramck City Clerk's office. At that time, the Wayne County Board of Canvassers opted to exclude them from the original tally, a decision that set off the ongoing legal proceedings.
The extended period of uncertainty has raised concerns among residents. Hamtramck resident Zakaria Abdulmalek shared his apprehension, noting that if electoral disputes continue, it is likely to become a recurring issue. Nicole Mathew, an associate political science professor at Oakland University, characterized the situation as unusual. She anticipates that the courts will ultimately need to decide the outcome, given that neither candidate appears willing to concede.
Beyond the ballot dispute, Mayor Alharbi’s legal team is also challenging Muhith Mahmood’s residency qualification. A hearing regarding this specific question is scheduled for Thursday. Mahmood has defended his residency, highlighting his ties to the city by mentioning his home, tax payments, and four years of service on the city council before running for mayor. However, attorney Ayad has countered this, arguing that merely having an address in Hamtramck does not qualify an individual to hold office, and pointed out that Mahmood's wife and children reportedly reside in Troy.
Given the current trajectory of the legal challenges, Professor Mathew suggests that the resolution of the Hamtramck mayoral race could potentially extend until the conclusion of Mayor Alharbi's current term. She explained that courts typically prioritize getting all details correct, which often leads to a lengthy process. Mathew added that a concession from either candidate would resolve the matter more quickly, but observed that both parties appear resolute.
