Elections & Voting

The City Clerk administers all federal, state, and local elections for the City of Charlevoix. The Clerk’s Office also maintains the voter registration files of the City.   A voter only needs to register once in the City, unless you move.  The City is divided into three Wards which are each represented by two Council members.  By law, a voter must present picture identification at the polls, or sign an affidavit attesting that he or she is not in possession of picture identification Voter Identification Information. 

How to Register

A person must be a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years of age, a resident of both Michigan and the City for at least 30 days prior to the election in which they plan to vote.  Voters may register at any time including on Election Day.  Anyone registering within two weeks prior to the election, must register in person at their local Clerk’s office to be eligible to vote in that election.  Online registration is now available.  Otherwise, you can register at the Clerk’s Office, Secretary of State Branch offices, or by mail.  New Michigan voters registering by mail are required to vote in person unless they are at least 60 years of age or are handicapped or are voting from overseas.

Whenever you move to a new city or township, you must re-register to vote.  You are automatically registered when you change your address at the Secretary of State office unless you specifically decline to do so.

Absentee Voters (AV)

Any registered voter can vote by Absentee Ballot.  To obtain an Absentee Ballot please fill out the Absentee Ballot Application please  Click here and return it to the Clerk’s Office in person, mail or email. The State of Michigan requires a voter who is receiving a ballot in person at the Clerk’s Office to present a valid photo ID or sign an affidavit.  Valid forms of ID are the same as required at the polls on Election Day.  Please note that State law does not allow one person to pick up a ballot for another person. If an individual returns an application for an absentee ballot on behalf of another, that ballot will be mailed to the voter.

Become an Election Inspector 

We are always in need of adults and interested high school students (16 years of age and older), who would like to participate in the election process.  Election Inspectors must be registered voters in Michigan and are paid $12/hour with additional pay for Chairperson and Receiving Board positions.  Election Day starts at 6 a.m. and usually finishes about 10 p.m.  There are full and part-time opportunities available.  In order to become a qualified Election Inspector, the Charlevoix County Clerk conducts training sessions in even years.  Fill out the Election Inspector Application and return it to the City Clerk’s office. We will follow up with you when the next training session is scheduled.  For more information see Election Inspector Program (PDF).