Elections
Clerk
Laurie Larsen
Clerk
(616) 604-6305
Kristi DeVerney
Deputy Clerk
(616) 604-6343
Election & Voting Information
The link below offers voter registration information, absentee ballot status, precinct locations, sample ballots, and candidate or proposal information.
Absentee Voter Ballots
Due to a recent Michigan Court of Appeals ruling, residents will no longer automatically receive Absentee Voter Applications for each election unless you request the Grand Haven Charter Township Clerk to place your name on a Permanent Absentee Voter List.
How do I apply?
In order to receive an absent voter ballot application, a registered voter must make a verbal or written request to the Township Clerk’s office. You can contact the Clerk’s office at 616-604-6305 or by email at boe@ght.org.
When you receive your application in the mail, please complete it and return it to the Clerk’s office at your earliest convenience. Once your application has been received in the Clerk’s office, we will mail your ballot to you. Upon completion of your ballot, make sure your signature and date are on the outside of the ballot envelope before you return it. All ballots must be received by 8pm on election day in order to be counted.
What is the deadline for applying for absentee ballots?
Absent voter ballot application must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the Friday preceding the election. If after the deadline is passed and it is found an absent voter ballot is required, the registered voter may go to the Clerk’s office on any working day up to 4 p.m. on the day preceding the election. Both application and voting the ballot will occur at this time in the Clerk’s office.
Voter Eligibility
You are qualified to vote if:
- You are a citizen of the United States.
- You are at least 18 years of age on or before the day of election at which you seek to vote.
- You have been a resident of Michigan for at least 30 days before the election.
- You have registered to vote on or before election day.
Registration
How can I register?
- At the office of your county, city, township, or village clerk.
- At your Secretary of State driver’s license office
- Secretary of State “renewal by mail”
- State and federal mail-in forms
Change of Address?
If you move within your city, township or village, a change of address should be made with your local clerk or at a Secretary of State Branch Office. If you have not completed a change of address prior to Election Day, you will not lose your right to vote. A change of address card will be completed at the polling place when you vote.
If you move outside your city, township or village, a change of address should be made at a Secretary of State Branch Office. The change of address may be made by mail as well as in person.
If you submit a change of address on your driver license at a Secretary of State Branch Office and/or your local government office, the address on your voter registration record will automatically be changed as well and your new voter I.D. card will be sent.
Primary vs. General Election
In a primary election, the members of each party nominate candidates of their party for the general election. Voters may vote for candidates in one party only.
In a general election, all voters elect officials from the party nominees and independent candidates. Voters may vote for candidates in more than one party.
