After more than seven months without representation in the Michigan Senate, several residents of Michigan’s 35th Senate District are taking legal action against Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in hopes of compelling  the governor to call a special election in the district.

In a democratic republic, the absence of representation is not a mere inconvenience – it is a denial of one of the most fundamental political rights,” the lawsuit reads.

The governor has waited more than 210 days to call a special election to fill a vacant state Senate seat, leaving 270,000 residents without representation.

Seven voters are asking a judge to order Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to call an election for a state Senate seat that has been vacant for seven months, but one expert says the courts don't hold that authority.