Bridgman, Michigan Public Records

These agencies routinely collaborate when major investigations or emergencies demand shared resources and coordinated response, creating an integrated approach to public safety that extends across the entire county.

Michigan residents can register online at www.michigan.gov/sos up to 15 days before an election, though same-day registration remains available during early voting and on Election Day itself at the clerk's office or any polling location with proof of residency. Acceptable identification includes a Michigan driver's license, state ID, or documents showing name and current address. Municipal elections in Bridgman select the mayor and city council members, with the mayor serving a two-year term while council members serve staggered four-year terms. City elections typically occur in odd-numbered years on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November, with the next municipal election scheduled for November 2025. Residents 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 by contacting Berrien County Clerk directly. Local voters typically cast ballots at Bridgman City Hall or Bridgman Public Schools facilities depending on precinct assignments. Michigan law ensures broad public access to election records: voter registration lists can be purchased for election related purposes, campaign finance reports are searchable through the Secretary of State's database, candidate filings and nominating petitions are public documents, and precinct-level results are published after each election. The November 2024 presidential election saw approximately 55-58% voter turnout among registered voters in Berrien County, with strong participation throughout the area. On November 3, 2026, voters will decide several significant races including Governor of Michigan (four-year term), Michigan Secretary of State, Michigan Attorney General, U.S. Representative for Michigan's 6th Congressional District (which includes Berrien County), all 110 seats in the Michigan House of Representatives, and roughly half of the 38 Michigan Senate seats. County-level positions such as Berrien County commissioners, county clerk, county treasurer, register of deeds, prosecuting attorney, and sheriff may also appear on the ballot depending on term expirations. The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistribution Commission redrew state legislative district lines following the 2020 census. Since 2018, Michigan voters can request absentee ballots without stating a reason, thanks to a constitutional amendment. Applications can be submitted online through the Michigan Voter Information Center, by mail, or in person at Berrien County Clerk's office. Absentee ballots must arrive by 8:00 PM on Election Day - postmarks don't count - either by mail, in person to the clerk's office, or via designated ballot drop boxes located throughout Berrien County.