By Karen Herr
Freeholders are an essential component to the Home Rule Process. Freeholders are citizens who have been elected to carry out a singular, constitutionally mandated duty: to write the home rule charter and propose it to the country-wide electorate.
As a general rule, once elected, Freeholders are given space at the county to conduct their business. This gives them the opportunity to study the current government structure and budget, conduct open public meetings, solicit public testimony from the public, and write a charter that they believe will be in the best interest of the citizens of Mason County.
There are two ways in which Freeholder positions can be placed on the ballot:
- By County Commissioners submitting a Resolution to the County Auditor
- By signature petition
If either were successful, the County Auditor would open a “special filing period” for candidates to file for a Freeholder position on the November ballot.
What does it take to become a Freeholder?
- Candidates must be a registered voter
- Candidates must be a resident in the county for a minimum of five-years prior to the election
- Specifically to Mason County - a total of fifteen (15) Freeholders are elected - the top five (5) candidates in each commissioner district who receive the most votes
- Freeholders take office the day following certification of the November election
- Their term of office ends the following November election, or upon submission of a draft charter for a public vote, whichever comes first
- All positions are non-partisan
- Freeholders receive no compensation for their service
