Clarkston, Michigan Public Records

Michigan residents register online at the Michigan Voter Information Center, www.michigan.gov/vote, maintained by the Secretary of State. While online registration closes 15 days before an election, voters can register in person through Election Day itself at the local clerk's office with proof of residency. A Michigan driver's license or state ID serves as acceptable identification, and first-time voters may need a utility bill or bank statement to verify residency. As an unincorporated community, Clarkston doesn't hold separate municipal elections. Instead, Independence Township governs the area, electing a supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and trustees to the Township Board during November general elections in odd-numbered years. The next Independence Township elections are scheduled for November 2025. Local residents also participate in Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education elections, typically held in May or November. The Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote provides a polling place lookup tool that works by name and date of birth or address, along with sample ballots, precinct details, and absentee ballot status. Michigan election records are largely public under state law. Voter registration lists go to political parties, candidates, and certain organizations under MCL 168.522-523, while individual voter history, showing which elections someone participated in, though never how they voted, is public information. The Michigan Secretary of State's Bureau of Elections maintains searchable campaign finance disclosures at www.michigan.gov/sos, documenting contributions and expenditures for candidates and committees. Candidate filings, ballot language, and precinct-level results are all available through Oakland County Clerk and Secretary of State. Oakland County saw strong civic engagement in the November 2024 presidential election, with turnout hitting approximately 72-75 percent. More than 950,000 registered voters in Oakland County cast roughly 700,000 ballots. The November 3, 2026 general election will bring several significant races to Clarkston and Oakland County voters. Michigan will hold elections for Governor - since governors are limited to two terms, this will be a new gubernatorial race with Governor Gretchen Whitmer term-limited. All 110 Michigan State House seats are on the ballot with their two-year terms, along with numerous state Senate seats from the 38 districts with staggered four-year terms. County-level offices include County Executive, County Commission seats, Sheriff, Prosecutor, Clerk/Register of Deeds, Treasurer, and Circuit and District Court judgeships. Independence Township board positions appear on the ballot in 2025 rather than 2026, though school board and special district positions may be included. Michigan's U.S. Senate seats are up in 2024 and 2028, so none will appear in 2026, but all U.S. House seats are contested every two years. Michigan's 8th Congressional District, which includes the community following recent redistricting, will be on the ballot. Michigan offers no-reason absentee voting to all registered voters. Applications can be submitted online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, by mail, or in person at the Independence Township Clerk's Office, 6483 Waldon Center Drive, Clarkston, MI 48346 (phone: 248-625-5114). The clerk's office must receive applications by the Friday before Election Day for mail delivery, though voters can request and receive ballots in person until 4:00 p.m. On the Monday before Election Day. Completed ballots must arrive by 8:00 p.m. On Election Day - postmarks don't count. Voters can return ballots by mail, in person at the clerk's office, or via secure drop boxes that Independence Township publicizes. Michigan law also permits early in-person voting at designated sites beginning nine days before Election Day.