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Mayoral election result from 2025 overturned after 37 disputed ballots are finally counted

October 17, 2026

Nearly a year after Adam Alharbi won the mayoral race in Hamtramck, Michigan by 11 votes, a recount of 37 previously disputed absentee ballots has reversed the election outcome in favor of his opponent Muhith Mahmood. The contested ballots were initially excluded because their chain of custody was broken when city officials accessed the clerk's office where they were stored, leading to months of legal battles over whether they should be counted. Following court rulings that ordered the ballots be tabulated, the new count showed Mahmood winning by 12 votes, though he cannot immediately take office due to a separate legal challenge questioning his residency within city limits.

Who is affected

  • Adam Alharbi (current mayor who won the initial count)
  • Muhith Mahmood (challenger who won after disputed ballots were counted)
  • Hamtramck residents, including the city's Bangladeshi and Yemeni American communities
  • The Wayne County Board of Canvassers
  • Hamtramck city officials and the city clerk's office
  • Mark Brewer (Mahmood's attorney)
  • Becki Camargo (Wayne County lawyer)

What action is being taken

  • The Wayne County Board of Canvassers conducted a recount of 37 disputed ballots on Friday
  • A court case regarding Mahmood's residency eligibility is pending
  • Alharbi is contesting the new results and plans to request a recount
  • Mark Brewer is speaking with Mahmood before making additional decisions

Why it matters

  • This case highlights critical issues in election administration, particularly regarding chain of custody procedures for ballots and the importance of proper election protocols. The prolonged legal battle demonstrates how seemingly small procedural errors can lead to major consequences, including the potential reversal of an election result nearly a year after voters cast their ballots. The situation also raises questions about democratic legitimacy, voter rights, and the validity of actions taken by an official whose election is later overturned, especially in a diverse community where representation matters significantly to different ethnic populations.

What's next

  • The residency case is expected to be heard next week (though a decision may not be issued immediately)
  • Certification of the mayoral election results could extend into the canvassing period for the November midterm election
  • Once certification is complete, Alharbi can formally request a recount under Michigan election law
  • A determination must be made regarding how Hamtramck will switch leaders and what restitution Mahmood might receive for his lost year as mayor
  • A decision is needed on whether to challenge the legitimacy of actions and ordinances implemented during Alharbi's 10 months in office

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com