It's the beginning of 2024 United States primary election season. Already, campaigning throughout the country has begun. Some primaries will start on February 3rd, like in the state of South Carolina whereas, some have started by the time you will have read this article. Michigan residents will now vote in the presidential primary on Feb 27th. Make sure to mark it in your calendars.

No changes will occur for the cities of River Rouge, Ecorse and Lincoln Park, 25th District Court. The 25th District Court, is the state's Municipal Courts, where full-time judges could be elected by the citizens in order to serve their communities.

Did you know at the local level, the judges of the District Court are elected for a six-year term on a non-partisan ballot. Here's some background knowledge of the 25th District Court that fall under their jurisdiction.

For example, some of the following examples are handled by your court.

-Landlord and tenant disputers

-Marriages

-Arraigning and setting bail based upon criminal violations

- Adjudicating civil infractions, such as when you receive a parking or speeding ticket.

-Small claims

-Preliminary examinations on felony cases and jury and non-jury trials of criminal misdemeanors

This list is just to name a few and this is the importance of taking the time out of your busy schedule to review candidates that want to take seats in the courts that directly impact you, your family members and your community. Let's continue with educating you about this court in case you the reader doesn't truly know or understand. If a judge for whatever reason seat is vacant during the middle of their term than the Governor of the state of Michigan can appoint another judge to fill that vacancy. Otherwise, it is at the election period that appointed judges must seek re-election.

Now what's happening in River Rouge, Ecorse and Lincoln Park? The two judges that currently hold offices are the Honorable Judge Greg Clifton (Chief Judge) and the Honorable Judge David J. Zelenak. Chief Judge Clifton, assumed office originally on Jan 1, 2015. Winning re-election, the honorable judge will be currently serving the community for the next 3 years, until his term ends Jan 1, 2027. The Honorable David Zelenak is currently serving until his term ends in 5 years, January 1, 2029.

Now there have been some overall changes in the state as far as dates are concern, when it comes to elections. Govenor G. Whitmer called for the special election because it's important that two vacancies be filled after for state Rep. Kevin Coleman (D-Westland) and Rep. Lori Stone (D-Warren) won the mayoral elections if you recall in their perspective cities.

Special and local election dates

- Tuesday, Jan 30th primary elections were held for the 13th and 25th House Districts

-Tueday, April 16th general elections will take place for the 13th and 25th House Districts

13th District

Peter Hertzburg (D)

Josh Powell (R)

25th District

PETER HERZBERG Moves on to April 16th Election 25th District House Seat

Mai Xiong (D)

Ronald Singer (R)

For more information on elections in your area, city, town, township or village, visit http://www.michigan.go/sos/elections. Always remember that being proactive and learning who candidates are on the ballot prior to standing in line waiting for an election ballot both, it's highly important. The time is now, long gone are the days of not being knowledgeable of who you are electing during election time. Give yourself time to complete your own research, so that you can make the most accurate and best decision for you and your family. See you at the polls this upcoming election season, start with casting your ballots in the primaries all across the state of Michigan.