CASS COUNTY, Mich. -- Cass County Clerk/Register of Deeds Monica McMichael has formally recused herself from the June 1 Penn Township recall proceedings.

The Cass County Election Commission is set to meet at noon that day to rule on a request to withdraw recall language submitted on May 14, and review recall language submitted on May 18.

The requests both included the offices of Penn Township supervisor, treasurer, and trustee.

Under Michigan law, recall petitions are reviewed for clarity and factual accuracy by an election commission made up of the county clerk, the chief probate judge, and the county treasurer.

An official being recalled challenged McMichael’s role in the process due to her familial ties to a Penn Township trustee.

“While I am not legally required to recuse myself from this process, I believe stepping aside from election commission responsibilities is the best way to ensure the recall election is conducted as smoothly, efficiently and transparently as possible,” McMichael said. “My priority is maintaining public confidence in the integrity of the process and allowing staff to focus fully on administering the election without unnecessary distractions or concerns about perceived conflicts.”

Michigan law states if the clerk is unable to fulfill a statutory duty for any reason, one of their deputies may serve in the clerk’s stead.