Ann Arbor, Michigan Public Records

Eligible residents can register online at michigan.gov/vote using a Michigan driver's license, state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number, with registration accepted up to 15 days before an election. Same-day voter registration is available during the early voting period and on Election Day with proof of residency. Municipal elections in the city occur during even-numbered years, with primary elections typically held in August and general elections in November. The mayor serves a four-year term, while city council members represent five wards through staggered two-year terms. When multiple candidates from the same party compete, a primary election determines the nominees. The next mayoral election is scheduled for 2025, with city council seats contested in 2024, 2026, and beyond. Local ballot measures addressing millage renewals for schools, libraries, and parks appear regularly on election ballots. Detailed information about candidates and local ballot questions is available at www.a2gov.org/elections and through the Washtenaw County elections website. Residents can locate their assigned polling place through the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote by entering their name and birth date, or by contacting the Elections Division directly. Beginning in 2024, Michigan implemented early voting with at least nine days of early in-person voting at designated locations before each election. The city operates multiple early voting sites during these periods. Michigan law provides extensive public access to election records. Voter registration lists are available for purchase by qualified requesters for election related purposes. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are searchable at michigan.gov/sos under the Campaign Finance system, displaying contributions, expenditures, and committee information. Candidate filings, including petitions and nominating documents, are public records available from Washtenaw County Clerk or city clerk depending on the office sought. Precinct-level election results are published by the Washtenaw County Clerk at www.washtenaw.org/1389/Election-Results and by the Michigan Secretary of State for statewide races. Washtenaw County recorded exceptionally high turnout in the November 2024 presidential election, with approximately 78% of registered voters participating and over 245,000 ballots cast. The county consistently ranks among Michigan's highest turnout areas due to strong civic engagement and an educated population. The November 3, 2026 general election will be a midterm election featuring critical races for Michigan voters. Michigan's U.S. Senate seat currently held by Gary Peters is not up for election in 2026 (his term runs through 2026, with election in 2026 for the term beginning 2027). Governor Gretchen Whitmer's term extends through 2026, so the 2026 election will include the gubernatorial race along with other statewide constitutional offices including Attorney General, Secretary of State, and all four State Board of Education seats. All 110 seats in the Michigan House of Representatives and 38 Michigan Senate seats (even-numbered districts) will be contested. County voters will elect county commissioners, the sheriff, clerk/register of deeds, treasurer, prosecuting attorney, and water resources commissioner. The city will hold city council elections in 2026 for multiple ward seats. Local school districts and jurisdictions may place millage requests and bond proposals on the ballot. Michigan offers no-reason absentee voting, permitting any registered voter to request an absentee ballot without justification. Voters can apply for absentee ballots online through michigan.gov/vote, by mail, or in person at their local clerk's office. Applications must be received by the Friday before the election for mail delivery, though voters can request and submit absentee ballots in person at their clerk's office through 8:00 PM on Election Day. Residents should contact the Ann Arbor City Clerk at 301 E. Huron Street (phone: 734-794-6140, email: cityclerk@a2gov.org) for absentee ballot applications and drop-box locations. Michigan also allows voters to join the permanent absentee voter list to automatically receive ballot applications for each election.