DOUGLAS, Michigan — A last-minute candidate in the race for city council in Douglas unseated the longest-serving incumbent on election day.
Jerry Donovan decided to run for one of three seats available after learning City Clerk Pamela Aalderink mistakenly gave the three incumbents the wrong filing deadline for paperwork. As a result, each person interested in a council seat had to run as write-in candidates. Donovan campaigned heavily on social media to drum up support.
According to the city clerk, the votes were certified Wednesday morning. Donovan came in third behind incumbent city council members Kathryn Mooradian and Cathy North.
"Campaigning for City Council was an experience I'll never forget," Donovan said Wednesday morning. "The opportunity to get out and meet the voters provided an opportunity to listen and learn, which I know had a direct impact on the results."
Greg Harvath has not yet conceded defeat. In a phone interview, Harvath said, "I am waiting until the vote is certified before making a comment." Harvath tells 13 ON YOUR SIDE because it's a complete write-in election, he believes there's a chance the numbers could change.
"I'm not in a good place to comment at this time," Harvath said.
We have reached out to the city clerk's office to find out when the votes will be certified and whether there are outstanding absentee ballots that still need to be counted.
Click here for MORE ELECTION COVERAGE
More from 13 ON YOUR SIDE:
RELATED VIDEO:
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.