Elections
About Elections
In Michigan, elections are managed and overseen by the Secretary of State's office, as well as by local clerks. The clerks play a crucial role in ensuring fair and efficient elections at the local level.
The clerks' office is responsible for a variety of tasks related to elections. One of their primary responsibilities is to maintain the voter registration system. They process voter registration applications, update voter records, and ensure the accuracy of voter lists. This includes verifying the eligibility of voters and handling any changes to their information, such as name or address updates.
Additionally, the clerks' office manages the distribution and collection of absentee ballots. They process requests for absentee ballots and ensure that they are sent out to eligible voters in a timely manner. They also receive and process completed absentee ballots, ensuring that they are securely stored until they are counted on Election Day.
On Election Day, the clerks' office coordinates the polling locations and ensures that they are properly staffed and equipped. They train and assign election workers, who help with tasks such as checking voter identification, explaining the voting process, and operating the voting machines. The clerks' office also provides support and guidance to election workers throughout the day.
In addition to these responsibilities, the clerks' office is responsible for conducting post-election activities. This includes the accurate tabulation and reporting of votes, as well as conducting any necessary recounts. The clerks' office also maintains the records and documentation related to the election, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Overall, the clerks' office in Michigan plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and transparent functioning of elections. They are responsible for the voter registration process, absentee voting, polling location management, election worker training, vote tabulation, and record keeping. Their dedication and professionalism are vital in upholding the integrity of the electoral process in the state.
The clerks' office is responsible for a variety of tasks related to elections. One of their primary responsibilities is to maintain the voter registration system. They process voter registration applications, update voter records, and ensure the accuracy of voter lists. This includes verifying the eligibility of voters and handling any changes to their information, such as name or address updates.
Additionally, the clerks' office manages the distribution and collection of absentee ballots. They process requests for absentee ballots and ensure that they are sent out to eligible voters in a timely manner. They also receive and process completed absentee ballots, ensuring that they are securely stored until they are counted on Election Day.
On Election Day, the clerks' office coordinates the polling locations and ensures that they are properly staffed and equipped. They train and assign election workers, who help with tasks such as checking voter identification, explaining the voting process, and operating the voting machines. The clerks' office also provides support and guidance to election workers throughout the day.
In addition to these responsibilities, the clerks' office is responsible for conducting post-election activities. This includes the accurate tabulation and reporting of votes, as well as conducting any necessary recounts. The clerks' office also maintains the records and documentation related to the election, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Overall, the clerks' office in Michigan plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and transparent functioning of elections. They are responsible for the voter registration process, absentee voting, polling location management, election worker training, vote tabulation, and record keeping. Their dedication and professionalism are vital in upholding the integrity of the electoral process in the state.
Absentee Voting
In Michigan, absentee voting is available to all registered voters. Here are the steps to vote absentee:
1. Ensure you are eligible: You must be a registered voter in Michigan to vote absentee. If you're not registered, you can do so by completing a voter registration form.
2. Request an absentee ballot application: You can obtain an absentee ballot application by visiting your local city or township clerk's office, downloading it from the Michigan Secretary of State's website, or submitting a written request to your local clerk. The application can be submitted in person or by mail.
3. Complete the application: Fill out the absentee ballot application with your personal information, including your name, address, and date of birth. Indicate the election(s) for which you would like to receive an absentee ballot.
4. Return the application: Once you have completed the application, you can either submit it in person at your local clerk's office or mail it to the address provided on the application. Make sure to submit your application well in advance to allow for processing time.
5. Receive your absentee ballot: Your local clerk will mail your absentee ballot to the address you provided on the application. If you submit your application early, you may receive your ballot several weeks before the election.
6. Vote and complete the ballot: Read the instructions provided with your absentee ballot carefully. Mark your choices using the appropriate method (e.g., filling in circles, connecting lines). Follow any additional guidelines for returning the ballot.
7. Return the completed ballot: Once you have completed your ballot, you can return it by mail or in person to your local clerk's office. If returning by mail, it is recommended to do so well in advance of the election to ensure it arrives on time.
Note: Absentee ballots must be received by your local clerk's office by 8:00 PM on Election Day in order to be counted. You may return them via mail, in person during City Hall Office Hours, or dropped in the ballot box attached to City Hall.
Overall, absentee voting in Michigan provides a convenient option for registered voters who are unable to vote in person on Election Day.
For voters wishing to drop off their ballots prior to election day, the City has installed a ballot drop box in the from of the City Hall building. This drop box is monitored and ballots collected throughout the day for safety purposes. The ballot drop box can only be used if you are returning a City of Fennville ballot. While voters from Manlius, Clyde, Lee, and Ganges can vote in-person at Fennville City Hall during early voting, returning ballots before early voting begins should still be done at the original jurisdiction.
1. Ensure you are eligible: You must be a registered voter in Michigan to vote absentee. If you're not registered, you can do so by completing a voter registration form.
2. Request an absentee ballot application: You can obtain an absentee ballot application by visiting your local city or township clerk's office, downloading it from the Michigan Secretary of State's website, or submitting a written request to your local clerk. The application can be submitted in person or by mail.
3. Complete the application: Fill out the absentee ballot application with your personal information, including your name, address, and date of birth. Indicate the election(s) for which you would like to receive an absentee ballot.
4. Return the application: Once you have completed the application, you can either submit it in person at your local clerk's office or mail it to the address provided on the application. Make sure to submit your application well in advance to allow for processing time.
5. Receive your absentee ballot: Your local clerk will mail your absentee ballot to the address you provided on the application. If you submit your application early, you may receive your ballot several weeks before the election.
6. Vote and complete the ballot: Read the instructions provided with your absentee ballot carefully. Mark your choices using the appropriate method (e.g., filling in circles, connecting lines). Follow any additional guidelines for returning the ballot.
7. Return the completed ballot: Once you have completed your ballot, you can return it by mail or in person to your local clerk's office. If returning by mail, it is recommended to do so well in advance of the election to ensure it arrives on time.
Note: Absentee ballots must be received by your local clerk's office by 8:00 PM on Election Day in order to be counted. You may return them via mail, in person during City Hall Office Hours, or dropped in the ballot box attached to City Hall.
Overall, absentee voting in Michigan provides a convenient option for registered voters who are unable to vote in person on Election Day.
For voters wishing to drop off their ballots prior to election day, the City has installed a ballot drop box in the from of the City Hall building. This drop box is monitored and ballots collected throughout the day for safety purposes. The ballot drop box can only be used if you are returning a City of Fennville ballot. While voters from Manlius, Clyde, Lee, and Ganges can vote in-person at Fennville City Hall during early voting, returning ballots before early voting begins should still be done at the original jurisdiction.
Early Voting
In 2022, a new law was passed in Michigan allowing early voting to take place the nine preceding days before the election. The City is partnering with Manlius Township, Clyde Township, Lee Township, and Ganges Township to offer early voting at Fennville City Hall via an interlocal agreement.