News Summary
Highland Park activist Robert Davis has requested an investigation into Rev. Solomon Kinloch’s residency status amid mayoral candidacy in Detroit. The request raises questions about Kinloch’s voting registration, claiming potential fraudulent activities as he registered to vote in Detroit while allegedly residing outside the city. Kinloch’s campaign deems the accusations unfounded, emphasizing compliance with voting regulations. As he gains traction among voters, the allegations could impact the mayoral race dynamics ahead of the upcoming primary election.
Detroit – Highland Park activist Robert Davis has formally requested an investigation into the residency status of Rev. Solomon Kinloch, who is currently a candidate for mayor of Detroit. The request was submitted to the Michigan Secretary of State and the Michigan Attorney General’s office via email on Wednesday, raising questions about Kinloch’s voting registration and whether it complies with state election laws.
Davis has accused Kinloch of potentially engaging in fraudulent activities by registering to vote in Detroit while allegedly not residing in the city. According to the allegations, this situation could constitute a violation of state election laws. As such, the request for an investigation seeks clarity on Kinloch’s voting status and residency.
The Kinloch campaign has responded to these accusations by labeling them as unfounded and misleading. A representative from the campaign emphasized that Rev. Kinloch is indeed registered to vote in Detroit and has complied with voting regulations. Drawing attention to Davis’ past history of filing legal challenges, they assert that this latest allegation lacks credibility.
Public records indicate that Rev. Kinloch has lived in various locations throughout Oakland County for much of the past 30 years. He purchased a home in Oakland Charter Township from Triumph Church in 2013, which raises questions about his residency claims in Detroit. Kinloch registered to vote in Detroit in March 2024, which coincides with his assertion that he has recently become a city resident.
Analysis of Kinloch’s voting history reveals that he voted absentee in both the August and November 2024 elections. However, the Oakland Township clerk’s office has not confirmed whether he voted in that area during the same year. A spokesman for Kinloch’s campaign clarified that Kinloch did not cast a vote as an Oakland Township resident during the election period in 2024.
In light of the accusations, it is crucial to note that individuals can only vote absentee in jurisdictions where they are duly registered. The campaign has expressed confidence in Kinloch’s registration status and argues that the scrutiny being directed towards him is politically motivated.
Efforts to obtain comments from the offices of the Secretary of State and Attorney General about the potential investigation have not met with success as both offices did not respond to inquiries.
Rev. Solomon Kinloch serves as the senior pastor of Triumph Church, based in Detroit. As one of the frontrunners in the mayoral race, polls suggest he is gaining traction among voters. Kinloch is among nine candidates participating in the upcoming primary election scheduled for August 5. Absentee voting has already commenced for eligible voters, with early in-person voting set to begin on July 26.
Robert Davis, the activist behind the investigation request, has previously filed several legal challenges during his advocacy efforts, many of which have been dismissed for lacking merit. One notable instance from 2013 involved a campaign that forced then-candidate Mike Duggan to run as a write-in candidate due to questions surrounding Duggan’s residency after he had moved from Livonia.
As the Detroit mayoral candidates sharpen their focus on critical issues such as property tax relief, it remains to be seen how these residency allegations will influence the dynamics of the race. The upcoming election is expected to draw considerable attention as candidates present their solutions to the pressing needs of Detroit residents.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit News: Residency in Politics Matters
- Axios: Detroit Mayoral Candidates Property Tax Plans
- Deadline Detroit: Mayoral Candidates’ Residency Questions
- Detroit Free Press: Mayoral Candidates and Election Insights
- Wikipedia: General Information
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
