Adam Alharbi wins Hamtramck mayoral race by 6 votes; recount expected -- what we know

HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – Adam Alharbi has won Hamtramck‘s mayoral race by just six votes, according to results certified by the county on Tuesday.

But a recount may be coming.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Final Vote Count:
  • Adam Alharbi: 2,066 votes (44.62%)
  • Muhith Mahmood: 2,060 votes (44.49%)
• Margin of Victory: 6 votes
• Rejected Ballots: 150 initially (signature issues), 120 counted
• Mystery Ballots: 37 (found later, not counted)

HOW WE GOT HERE

1. Election Day: Initial count showed Alharbi leading by 11 votes
2. The Complications:
   1. 150 absentee ballots need signature fixes
   2. 37 absentee ballots discovered in the clerk’s office
   3. City Clerk placed on administrative leave while the issue was sorted out
   4. County Board refused to count the 37 found ballots
   5. Alharbi filed a residency lawsuit against Mahmood

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Alharbi (Winner):

“Feeling good. It’s finally over, and now our focus is going to be on fixing our city and solving the issues residents are facing every day.”

On Potential Recount:

“I believe we will still be ahead in the election results. He has the right to do that, and we will see what happens next.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

• Mahmood’s team is requesting a recount by the end of the week
• He must pay for it up front
• Money will be refunded if the results change in his favor
• The 37 uncounted ballots’ impact will remain unknown

WHY IT MATTERS

This extremely close race highlights the importance of every vote and proper election procedures in local democracy.

Previous report: