Afton, Michigan Public Records

Eligibility requires U.S. Citizenship, being at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residency in Michigan and your city or township for at least 30 days before the election. The state offers same-day voter registration, allowing residents to register and vote at their clerk's office or polling place on Election Day with proof of residency. Acceptable proof includes a Michigan driver's license, state ID, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check showing name and address. Online registration requires a valid Michigan driver's license or state ID. Afton is an unincorporated community within Afton Township, so residents do not vote in municipal elections for mayor or city council. Instead, voters participate in Afton Township elections for township supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and trustees. Township elections occur in even-numbered years during the August primary and November general elections, with township offices operating on four-year cycles. The next round of township elections will take place in August and November 2026. Information about local candidates, sample ballots, and ballot proposals is available through the Cheboygan County Clerk's elections page. Residents can look up their specific polling place, verify their voter registration status, and view their sample ballot by visiting www.michigan.gov/vote and entering their name and date of birth or address. Polling places are assigned based on residential address and precinct boundaries. In Michigan, numerous election records are available to the public. Voter registration lists, excluding certain personal information like birthdates and driver's license numbers, can be requested under Michigan FOIA. Campaign finance reports for candidates and political action committees are public and searchable through the Michigan Secretary of State at www.michigan.gov/cfr. Candidate filings, precinct-level election results, and voter turnout statistics are all accessible through Cheboygan County Clerk or Secretary of State. In the November 2024 presidential election, Cheboygan County reported voter turnout of approximately 65-70% of registered voters, consistent with typical turnout for presidential election years in rural Michigan counties. Turnout for midterm and off-year elections is typically lower, ranging from 40-55% depending on the competitiveness of races. The November 3, 2026 general election will be a midterm election in which Michigan voters will decide several major races. While 2026 is not a U.S. Senate election year for Michigan, as the state's Senate seats are up in 2024 and 2028, voters will elect Michigan's Governor for a four-year term, since gubernatorial elections occur in midterm years. All 110 seats in the Michigan House of Representatives will be on the ballot, along with 19 of the 38 Michigan Senate seats, as senators serve four-year staggered terms. Cheboygan County voters will also elect county-level officials including county commissioners, Cheboygan County Sheriff, county clerk, county treasurer, prosecuting attorney, and register of deeds, most of which are four-year terms. Afton Township offices may also be on the ballot depending on the election cycle. There may be state ballot proposals, county millage requests, and local school board elections. Michigan offers no-reason absentee voting, meaning any registered voter can request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Voters can apply for absentee ballots online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, by contacting their local clerk, either the Afton Township Clerk or Cheboygan County Clerk, or by submitting an application form. Applications must be received by the Friday before the election for mail delivery, or voters can request and submit absentee ballots in person at their clerk's office up until 8 p.m. On Election Day. The state also allows voters to join the permanent absentee voter list to automatically receive applications for each election.