 As was typical in development, the county at first encompassed a much larger area than at present.As population increased in the area, the state legislature removed territory in 1819 and 1820 to form the counties of Oakland, Lapeer, Genesee, and St. Clair.In May 2008, Macomb County voters approved a new charter to include a new elected position of County Executive, to be elected at-large; the proposal was to be submitted to the voters by 2010.