Ptaszenski retains treasurer seat in Hamlin Township recall

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — Incumbent Republican Susan Ptaszenski defeated challenger Tim Walden in Tuesday’s recall election for Hamlin Township treasurer, retaining the position she has held through a recall effort that began earlier this year.

According to unofficial election results from the Mason County Clerk’s Office, Ptaszenski received 1,232 votes compared to 614 for Walden, who ran without party affiliation. There were 13 write-in votes.

Ptaszenski received 66.7% of the votes cast for the two candidates, defeating Walden by 618 votes.

The recall election followed petitions filed earlier this year by Hamlin Township resident Greg Collins against Ptaszenski and another township official.

Ptaszenski’s new term will expire Dec. 1, 2028.

Voters also elected Republican Sheila Genter as township clerk. Genter, who was unopposed on the ballot, received 1,542 votes. There were 48 write-in votes.

The clerk position was vacant heading into the election and was not part of the recall effort. Genter will serve the remainder of the term, which expires Dec. 1, 2028.

Hamlin Township reported 2,126 ballots cast in Tuesday’s election. All results remain unofficial until certified.

2026 general election — Hamlin Township, Precinct 1

Unofficial results — Nov. 3, 2026

Mason County precincts reporting: 21 of 22

Hamlin Township, Precinct 1, recorded 2,126 ballots cast in Tuesday’s general election. The precinct results include Republican victories in the congressional and state legislative races, while Republican Susan Ptaszenski defeated Tim Walden in the township treasurer recall election.

U.S. House, 2nd District

• John Moolenaar (R): 1,200

• Ben Ambrose (D): 851

• Charlotte Magoon (G): 21

• Richard Sills (NLP): 10

• Write-in: 1

Michigan Senate, 32nd District

• Kim Cole (R): 1,236

• Rebecca Amidon (D): 856

• Write-in: 3

Michigan House, 102nd District

• Curt VanderWall (R): 1,290

• Angel Coon (D): 778

• Shawn Orton (L): 28

• Write-in: 2

Hamlin Township clerk

• Sheila Genter (R): 1,542

• Write-in: 48

Hamlin Township treasurer recall election

• Susan Ptaszenski (R): 1,232

• Tim Walden (NPA): 614

• Write-in: 13

Ptaszenski defeated Walden by 618 votes in the precinct.

West Shore Community College Board of Trustees

Vote for two

• Thomas S. Voss: 1,243

• Daniel LaMore: 1,171

• Write-in: 29

Ludington Area Schools Board of Education

Vote for three

• Brad Reed: 1,276

• Julie Keson: 734

• Kelly Parker: 686

• Kathleen Chaney: 598

• Jamie Mowy Lipa: 485

• Whitney McCabe-Stevens: 366

• Natalie Grochowski: 315

• Write-in: 26

   

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