Michigan Harness Horsemen's Association |
Board of Directors Election
The Michigan Harness Horsemen's Association (MHHA) is preparing for its 2027 Board of Directors election. Six candidates are running for four open seats on the Board. MHHA members are encouraged to participate in the election and help shape the future leadership of the Association. Meet the Candidates Incumbents Seeking Re-Election:
Additional Candidates:
Current Director Aaron Colley, whose term expires in January 2027, has elected not to seek re-election. Election Timeline
Voting Instructions Official ballots will be mailed to eligible MHHA members along with voting instructions and a return envelope. Members may vote for up to four candidates. Completed ballots must be returned according to the instructions provided and received by the December 15 deadline. Proposed Bylaw Amendment In addition to electing four directors, members will have the opportunity to vote on a proposed amendment to Article II, Section 2 of the MHHA Bylaws regarding qualifications for Board service. The proposed amendment would require Board candidates to have been MHHA members for at least two years and maintain their primary residence in Michigan. The official ballot will include the proposed amendment and voting instructions. Questions? For questions regarding the election or to update your mailing address, please contact the MHHA office at 517-349-2920. Your vote matters! Thank you for taking an active role in the future of Michigan harness racing. |
Qualification and Nomination of Directors Shall Be as Follows:
- Any active member in good standing is eligible to be elected as a director.
- Incumbent board members shall always be candidates for re-election unless they specifically decline.
- Candidates for election shall file a written petition signed by at least fifteen (15) voting members at the main office of the association by November 1st of the year prior to the year of the election.
- The Board of Directors shall be the sole authority in determining the validity of any nomination petition.
- The Board of Directors shall, by majority vote, elect from its own membership a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Executive Committee Member
Term:
- The terms of each directorship shall be for a period of three (3) years or until a successor is elected or appointed.
Disclosure Regarding Board Election Ballot Handling
Historically, the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association has engaged an independent third-party accounting firm to receive and count Board election ballots. At the Board meeting held on September 25, 2025, the Board voted to change this process in order to reduce costs.
Beginning with this election, ballots will be received and counted by Association Management Resources (AMR), the association’s management company.
To ensure fairness and confidentiality, no one who works directly with the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association on a day-to-day basis will handle or have access to the ballots. Only AMR staff not regularly involved in the association’s operations will manage the ballot receipt and counting process.
This change was made with the goal of maintaining the integrity of the election while reducing expenses for the association.