Dominique Clemons, Running for Genesee County Clerk & Register of Deeds
2024 Election Pride Source Candidate Survey Response
The 2024 Pride Source Media Voters Guide Candidate Survey sought the responses from Michigan candidates running for office in the Nov. 5 election. We asked candidates to respond to key issues impacting the Michigan LGBTQ+ community and about their visions for the future. Visit vote411.org to learn more about the candidates and issues on your ballot.
Candidate: Dominique Clemons
Running for Genesee County Clerk & Register of Deeds
Incumbent? Yes (Clemons has also served as a county commissioner)
Campaign Contact Info
(810) 624-1106
Voteclemons.com
Twitter/X: @VoteClemons
Instagram: @VoteClemons
Candidate background
Education:
Michigan State University - Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy (2016),
The George Washington University - Master of Professional Studies in Political Management (2019)
Professional experience:
I have several years of Government and advocacy experience and previously served as Genesee County Commissioner (District 4) and Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners. I have also served in roles such as Director of Government Affairs for the Flint and Genesee Group, Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion for the Michigan House of Representatives, Legislative Director for State Representative Alex Garza, Strategy Assistant for the Michigan College Access Network, and Communications Specialist in the Michigan Senate.
What is your affiliation with the LGBTQ+ community?
I identify as Bisexual.
Tell us about your top priorities and how you plan to achieve those goals.
The office of County Clerk and Register of Deeds is a unique position, but a critical position for our community. This office oversees our election process, as well as the issuance and upkeep of vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, deeds and mortgages, and many other important personal documents and records.
As your County Clerk/Register of Deeds I am working daily toward making government more accessible and providing unparalleled service to our residents. We need our county government to prioritize working people and advocate our success. I am running to ensure Genesee County has a Clerk/Register office that is responsive to the needs of residents, while providing streamlined services. I am focused on protecting voting rights and ensuring our elections remain secure. I am fighting to bring transparency, accountability and ethics back to government, and implementing programs to assist low-income individuals in obtaining vital records.
We have accomplished so much, and have made significant improvements in the short year and a half that I have been able to serve in this role. I am hopeful for the opportunity to continue serving our community as your County Clerk and Register of Deeds. It's time for everyone to come together, restore our humanity, and solve problems collaboratively. Together we can, and we will build a brighter future for Genesee County.
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
I believe if we work together, we will build the type of community we can be proud to call home. As a County Commissioner I have worked tirelessly to create change and progress. As your County Clerk/Register of Deeds I am continuing to work toward making government more accessible and providing unparalleled service to our residents.
I understand the challenges that Genesee County working families face, because I’ve lived them. I am running to ensure Genesee County has a Clerk/Register office that is responsive to the needs of Genesee County Residents, while providing streamlined services.
How do you plan to represent and advocate for the needs of LGBTQ+ community members?
I am proud to serve as the first ever openly LGBTQ+ County Clerk or Register of Deeds in Michigan. Holding the position and being an example that out individuals can hold high level positions in our community is an important aspect of representation. Also in my role, I advocate daily at both the local and state level for expansion of services and policy that support the LGBTQ+ community.
State your position on transgender rights and how your office would work to protect this vulnerable population — particularly Black trans women, who are overrepresented in stats related to violence, the judicial system, homelessness, substance abuse and other serious issues.
I am a strong advocate for transgender rights and working to ensure strengthened laws and policies to support this marginalized community. Although my role is not a policy making role, I have the ear of many policymakers who regularly push the envelope to promote policies to protect transgender individuals and everyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults is a persistent issue in Michigan. How would your office make a positive impact for young LGBTQ+ people facing housing insecurity?
As County Clerk & Register of Deeds we have implemented programs to help individuals facing hardship to have free access to their vital records (such as a birth certificate) . We know that access to these documents is the first step in receiving many services and supports to assist with homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
State your position on abortion and other issues related to women’s reproductive health.
I am fully Pro-Choice, and believe all medical procedures of any type should be made between a patient and their doctor. Child-bearing individuals deserve that right, and the privacy to make their own choices about their reproductive health.
How do you feel about drag queens?
I feel that Drag is an important art form and way of expression for the LGBTQ+ community. My opponent in this election has stated he wants to Ban Drag in our county, and as a response my campaign hosted a Drag Show fundraiser to celebrate this creative form of expression.
On Marriage Equality: After the overturning of Roe v Wade, many question if the U.S. Supreme Court will revisit their 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Would you support any legislation that undermines the rights of same-sex couples to marry? (Yes or No — feel free to elaborate)
Marriage rights should be equitably applied to everyone regardless of sexual orientation. I would oppose any legislation that limits martial status for certain groups of individuals.
On K-12 School Curriculum: States such as Florida have passed legislation preventing teachers, counselors and coaches from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with their students, dubbed "Don't Say Gay" bills. Other states have passed legislation requiring LGBTQ+ inclusion in K-12 curricula, often determined by the local school district to determine how to effectively integrate learning materials throughout.
Michigan currently has neither a ban nor a requirement. Would you support legislation requiring Michigan schools to teach about LGBTQ+ people and identities in history and social sciences? (Yes or No — feel free to elaborate)
Michigan and the United States have a robust history, and that history includes hundreds of fearless change-makers of all different identities. Our education curriculum should fully depict the contributions of great Americans, and that can not be accurately done without including those that are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
How would your office help people struggling financially?
My office continues to provide services free of charge or at a reduced charge for those who are financially struggling, and often will take the extra time to connect residents with partner organizations to provide additional services.
Visit vote411.org and michiganvoting.org to learn about the candidates and issues on your ballot and to make a voting plan.
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