FLINT, MI -- Candidates for mayor of Flint can start focusing on the campaign and forget about whether they'll be on the primary election ballot.

Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation today, June 5, to authorize extension of the filing deadline for the August primary election, a move that will allow for a standard showdown for the city's top job.

Incumbent Dayne Walling, businesswoman Karen Weaver, and two city councilmen -- Wantwaz Davis and Eric Mays -- are in line for spots on the ballot, city officials have said.

"It's really going to be nice to talk about some issues," Weaver said. "I'm happy about that -- happy the democratic process is moving forward."

For weeks, candidates for mayor and two City Council seats have been in an uncertain position, waiting for the state Legislature to agree on a bill aimed at fixing an election dilemma in Flint.

No mayoral candidates filed the required number of nominating petition signatures by the April 21 deadline after Clerk Inez Brown's office told them the wrong deadline for filing -- April 28.

The new law, which takes immediate effect, allows the Secretary of State to allow the Flint primary and requires an audit of Brown's office as well as special training for the clerk and election workers.

"It's great that the issue is now behind us, and everyone can turn their attention to the regular election process and the August primary," Walling said. "My campaign has continued every day since we started (working) in the winter. The coming weeks will be exciting with volunteer training, opening an office and hosting more community and fund-raising events."

Snyder had expressed support for the concept behind state Senate and House bills that sought to fix the Flint election mess and today agreed to the legislative solution that landed on his desk Thursday, June 4.

"It's important that Flint voters have their voices heard regarding who their next mayor will be," Snyder said in a news release. "I appreciate the quick actions of the Legislature in seeking a solution for this situation and working together to get it done."

Mays said he's prepared to engage in a debate with other mayoral candidates but hasn't given up on the possibility that he could end up on the ballot alone.

Genesee Circuit Judge Archie Hayman on June 1 dismissed a lawsuit filed by Mays, which sought to show he filed at least 900 valid signatures by the April 21 deadline.

Hayman said Mays did not have enough signatures by April 21 to qualify for the ballot, but the councilman said he may request Hayman reconsider his decision or could appeal it to state Court of Appeals.

Davis said he won't stray from his plan to run a grassroots campaign for mayor -- whether he's running as a write-in or sees his name on the ballot.

"Everything that occurred was permitted by God," he said.

Flint City Administrator Natasha Henderson issued a statement following the governor's action, saying she was pleased by the actions of the House, Senate and governor as well as the legislative delegation from the Flint area.

"The City will now be able to hold a primary election in August and a general election in November as originally scheduled and as prescribed by law. Work will begin immediately to prepare for both elections and ensure that the democratic process is followed," Henderson said.

Ron Fonger is a reporter for The Flint Journal. Contact him at rfonger1@mlive.com or 810-247-9963. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.