Compiled Laws, Chapter 168. Michigan Election Law § 168.424

Sec. 424. (1) If a vacancy occurs in the office of circuit judge, the governor shall appoint a successor to fill the vacancy. Except as otherwise provided in section 424a(3),  1 the person appointed by the governor shall be considered an incumbent for purposes of this act. The person appointed by the governor shall hold office until 12 noon of January 1 following the next general November election at which a successor is elected and qualified.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in section 415(2),  2if the vacancy occurs more than 7 days before the nominating petition filing deadline as provided in section 413  3 for the general November election that is not the general November election at which a successor in office would be elected if there were no vacancy, the person appointed shall hold office only until a successor is elected at the next general November election in the manner provided in this chapter for the election of circuit judges. The person elected shall hold office for the remainder of the unexpired term.