Beaver Island, Michigan Public Records

Island residents need to register at least 15 days before an election, though same-day registration is available at the clerk's office or polling place with proof of residency. Acceptable identification includes a Michigan driver's license, state ID, or documents showing name and current address. Those without ID can sign an affidavit and still cast their ballot. The island has no incorporated municipal government, meaning there are no mayoral or city council races. St. James Township, which covers most of Beaver Island, holds township elections for supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and trustee positions. These partisan elections take place in even-numbered years during the August primary and November general election. Township board meetings convene at the St. James Township Hall, with candidate filings processed through the township clerk in coordination with the Charlevoix County office. Voters can locate their assigned polling place through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote by entering their name and date of birth or address. Island residents typically vote at the Beaver Island Community Center at 37895 Michigan Avenue in St. James. Polls remain open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time on Election Day. Public election records in Michigan include voter registration lists, though with restrictions on commercial use, campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State and county clerks, candidate filing information including petitions and financial disclosures, and precinct-level results. These records are accessible through the Michigan Secretary of State website at www.michigan.gov/sos or by contacting the Charlevoix County Clerk The St. James Township precinct on Beaver Island showed similar participation. While Michigan has no U.S. Senate seat up that year, residents will elect a new Governor, as gubernatorial elections occur during midterms. All 110 seats in the Michigan House of Representatives will be contested, with the island falling within a Northern Michigan district. County-level races include Charlevoix County Commissioner positions, and potentially Sheriff, Prosecuting Attorney, Clerk, Treasurer, and Register of Deeds, depending on term schedules. St. James Township offices including Supervisor and Clerk may also appear on the ballot. State proposals and local millage requests could be presented as well. Michigan's no-excuse absentee voting allows any registered voter to request an absentee ballot. Island residents can request ballots through the Michigan Voter Information Center online, by mail, or in person at the Charlevoix County Clerk's Office or St. James Township Clerk. Given the island's isolation and the possibility of weather-related ferry cancellations, many residents rely on absentee voting. Applications must arrive by the Friday before the election, though in-person requests are accepted until 4:00 PM on the Monday before Election Day. Completed ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day; postmarks don't count. The township clerk maintains a 24-hour ballot drop box for secure returns.