Bitely, Michigan Public Records

Michigan residents can register online through the Michigan Secretary of State at www.michigan.gov/sos up to 15 days before an election, or register in person at their local clerk's office including on Election Day with proof of residency. Voters must be U.S. Citizens, Michigan residents, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and not currently serving a jail or prison sentence. Acceptable identification for registration includes a Michigan driver's license, state ID card, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. As an unincorporated community within Croton Township, Bitely has no municipal elections for mayor or city council. The Croton Township Board provides local governance, with elections held for township supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and trustees. These township elections take place in even-numbered years during the August primary and November general election cycles. The next township elections are scheduled for August 5, 2026 (primary) and November 3, 2026 (general). Residents also participate in Newaygo County elections for county commissioners, sheriff, prosecutor, clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, and drain commissioner. At the state level, voters here cast ballots in Michigan State House District 101 and State Senate District 33, with state legislative seats up for election in 2026. The Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/sos allows voters to locate their assigned polling place by searching with name and date of birth or address. Residents typically vote at Croton Township Hall, though precinct assignments should be verified before each election. Michigan offers no-reason absentee voting, allowing any registered voter to request an absentee ballot by completing an application available through the Newaygo County Clerk or township clerk, online at www.michigan.gov/sos, or in person at the clerk's office. Absentee ballot applications must reach the clerk by 5:00 PM the Friday before the election for mail delivery, though voters may request and submit an absentee ballot in person at the clerk's office through 8:00 PM on Election Day. Election records in Michigan are public under state law. The Qualified Voter File maintained by county clerks contains voter registration information including name, address, voting history (but not vote choices), and registration status, available for inspection and purchase for lawful purposes. Campaign finance reports for candidates and political action committees can be searched through the Michigan Secretary of State's Campaign Finance database at www.michigan.gov/sos. Candidate filings, nominating petitions, and financial disclosures are all public records. The County Clerk posts precinct-level election results following each election and maintains them as permanent public records. In the November 2024 presidential election, Newaygo County reported approximately 60% voter turnout with roughly 26,000 ballots cast from approximately 43,000 registered voters, reflecting strong rural Republican voting patterns typical of northern Michigan counties. The November 3, 2026 general election will present several important races for local voters. Michigan's U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senator Gary Peters is not up for election in 2026 (next election 2028), and Michigan's gubernatorial race is also scheduled for 2028. The 2026 ballot will feature all Michigan State House seats (including District 101), half of the State Senate (though District 33's specific cycle should be verified), county offices including Newaygo County Commissioner districts, township offices for Croton Township, and potentially local school board positions and special district elections. Voters should check with the Newaygo County Clerk closer to election dates for certified candidate lists, ballot proposals, and sample ballots specific to their precinct.