Clarklake, Michigan Public Records

The Columbia Township Clerk also assists with local election matters and can be reached at 8500 Jefferson Road, Brooklyn, MI 49230, phone (517) 592-6891. Michigan residents can register to vote online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, operated by the Michigan Secretary of State. Residents here can register online up to 15 days before an election, or register in person at Jackson County Clerk's office, township clerk's office, or at their polling place on Election Day with proof of residency. Michigan's Election Day registration requires that applicants be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of Michigan and their city or township for at least 30 days. Acceptable proof of residency includes a Michigan driver's license, state ID, current utility bill, bank statement, or government document showing name and address. As an unincorporated community, Clarklake holds no municipal elections for mayor or city council. Instead, residents vote in Columbia Township elections for township supervisor, clerk, treasurer, trustees, and other local offices. Township elections typically occur in August (primary) and November (general election) of even-numbered years, with township board positions serving four-year terms on a staggered basis. Local voters can find their assigned polling place using the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote by entering their name and birth date or address. The system displays the voter's precinct, polling location address and hours, and sample ballot for upcoming elections. Columbia Township typically operates polling places at Columbia Township Hall and other locations depending on precinct boundaries. Public election records in Michigan include voter registration lists (available to campaigns and political organizations with restrictions), campaign finance disclosures (searchable at www.michigan.gov/sos), candidate filings and petitions, and precinct-level election results. The Jackson County Clerk publishes unofficial election results on election night and certifies official results within weeks of each election, with detailed results by precinct available on the Jackson County website. Campaign finance reports for state and federal candidates are searchable through the Michigan Secretary of State and Federal Election Commission websites. The county's results reflected Michigan's swing-state status, with competitive margins in federal and state races. At the federal level, Michigan's At the Jackson County level, Jackson County offices including county commissioners, sheriff, clerk/register, treasurer, prosecuting attorney, and drain commissioner will be decided. Columbia Township will elect township board members in 2026 as well. Voters should consult the sample ballot through the Michigan Voter Information Center for a complete list of federal, state, county, and township races specific to their precinct. Michigan voters can request absentee ballots without providing a reason under a 2018 constitutional amendment. Residents can apply for an absentee ballot online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, by contacting the Jackson County Clerk or Columbia Township Clerk, or by completing an absentee ballot application form. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. The Friday before Election Day for regular mail delivery, though voters can request and receive an absentee ballot in person at the clerk's office up through 8:00 p.m. On Election Day itself. Completed absentee ballots must be returned by 8:00 p.m. On Election Day either by mail (postmarks do not count; must be received by deadline), by dropping in an official ballot drop box, or by delivering in person to the clerk's office or polling place.