DETROIT – Detroit City Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero filed a lawsuit Thursday against Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey and the Detroit Election Commission, challenging her disqualification from the August primary ballot.
The District 6 representative claims a clerical error at the Wayne County Clerk’s Office led to her being disqualified from the ballot by the Detroit City Clerk’s Office over an unpaid $250 late filing fee.
“I’m ready to fight because I have been left with no choice. I’m moving forward because I believe the facts are on our side,” said Santiago-Romero during a press conference at Clark Park. “I am currently living a candidate’s worst nightmare.”
The lawsuit, filed in Wayne County Circuit Court, seeks a temporary restraining order to prevent the primary ballot from being finalized without Santiago-Romero’s name.
At issue is a campaign finance report that Santiago-Romero’s team claims was submitted on time.
The campaign says the Wayne County Clerk’s Office wrongly applied the late fee.
“We submitted our campaign finance report on Oct. 25, and we have the receipt from the county clerk to prove it,” Santiago-Romero said.
The Detroit City Clerk’s Office notified Santiago-Romero on April 21 that she was disqualified from the ballot due to the unpaid fee.
While pursuing legal action, Santiago-Romero announced she would launch a write-in campaign to remain in the race for her Southwest Detroit seat.
“We’re still running, and I’m going to need everyone’s help to make sure that we run a strong write-in people’s campaign,” Santiago-Romero said. “We can do hard things. We can run a successful people’s campaign, no matter how long my name is, but it shouldn’t have to come to that.”
The Wayne County Clerk’s Office refused to comment due to potential litigation.
The Detroit City Clerk’s Office has yet to respond to Local 4’s request for comment.
