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Candidate Info: Darlene A. O'Brien, Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge

Benjamin Weatherston

WEMU offered the opportunity for any candidate appearing on a ballot in Washtenaw County in the 2018 general election to submit a campaign message directly to our audience. Darlene A. O'Brien is running for Probate Judge for Washtenaw County as a nonpartisan.  What follows are the audio and remarks the candidate wanted to share with you.

Hello I’m Darlene O’Brien and I’m running for Probate Judge for Washtenaw County.  I’ve been honored to serve in this position for over 12 ½ years.

I’m taking this opportunity to introduce myself to you even though I don’t have an opponent in this election because I think it’s important that we all know who our elected public officials are.  

As senior probate judge, I have the privilege to chair the Washtenaw County Election Commission.  Voting is an important right and responsibility. In Michigan, a person convicted and sentenced for a crime is ineligible to vote only while confined in jail or prison; once a person is released from incarceration, their voting rights are automatically restored.

In November, voters will have the chance to weigh in on three important state wide proposals—the 1st regarding legalization of marijuana for people over the age of 21; the 2nd would change who determines political districts;                 and the 3rd would bring back the option of straight party voting, allow voters to register to vote on election day, and permit no reason absentee voting.  Since there will be no opportunity for straight party voting in this election and with the number of state and local proposals on the ballot, voting may take longer.  

So, if you are over age 60, will be absent from the county on Nov 6th, or are otherwise qualified, you may request an absentee ballot.  Our County Clerk, Larry Kestenbaum, has posted some informational videos on voting on the Washtenaw County Elections website that you may find helpful, including one on absentee voting.   

Make your voice heard—remember to vote on Tuesday, November 6th!

obriend@washtenaw.org