East Lansing City Council Elections
City elections in East Lansing are non-partisan.
A non-partisan election means that those running for City Council do not run with partisan labels.
There are three positions that need to be filled for the 2021 election:
One partial term position (expires in 2023)
Two full term positions (expires in 2025)
East Lansing Form of Government
Council-Manager Government
East Lansing has a weak mayor form of government.
Mayoral Appointment and Duties
The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem are appointed by the city council.
The mayor and mayor pro tem are elected as council members and then appointed to those positions by the sitting council.
Mayoral Duties:
Recognized as chief executive of the city by law and for ceremonial purposes
Signs laws, charters, etc.
Only exercises the powers specifically granted to them by the city charter, laws, or specific powers granted by city council -- including the power to suppress riots and disorderly conduct.
Mayor Pro Tem duties:
Perform the duties of the mayor if the mayor is absent or cannot perform their duties.
Manager Appointment and Duties
The City Manager is appointed by and reports to the city council.
The City Manager’s job is as the chief administrator for the city.
City Manager’s Duties include:
Oversight/preparation of annual budget
Long-range financial planning
Supervision of City departments
Implementation of city council’s strategic priorities and policy decisions
City Council
The East Lansing City Council is the policy and legislative body whose five members are elected at-large for four-year terms (at-large means they are voted on by the whole population, not separated into wards or districts).
All powers of the City are determined by the City Council which is the legislative and governing body for all purposes required or permitted by law.
The Council decides the eligibility and qualifications of its own members, subject to review by the courts.