Durand, Michigan Public Records

Michigan residents can register to vote online at www.michigan.gov/vote, the Michigan Voter Information Center maintained by the Secretary of State. Eligibility requires U.S. Citizenship, Michigan residency, being at least 18 years old by Election Day, and not currently serving a jail or prison sentence. The state offers same-day voter registration, meaning residents can register and vote at their city or township clerk's office through Election Day. Proof of residency is required, such as a Michigan driver's license, state ID, or current utility bill. Online registration requires a Michigan driver's license or state ID and closes 15 days before Election Day; after that, registration must be completed in person. City Council seats are decided through municipal elections, with council members serving four-year terms. Rather than a direct election, the Mayor is selected by the City Council from among its members. City Council elections typically appear on the November ballot in odd-numbered years, with the next municipal election scheduled for November 2025. Local ballot measures, charter amendments, and millage proposals specific to the city or Durand Area Schools appear on ballots as circumstances require. Candidate filings and local ballot language are available through Durand City Hall at 100 South Saginaw Street (989-288-3911) and the Shiawassee County Clerk. Residents can find their assigned polling place using the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote by entering their name and birth date. The lookup tool displays the polling location address, hours (7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day), and a sample ballot. The city typically operates polling locations at public buildings such as schools or community centers within city limits. Public election records in Michigan include the Qualified Voter File (voter registration lists available to campaigns and political parties with restrictions), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees (searchable at www.michigan.gov/sos), candidate nominating petitions and statements of organization, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics. Individual voter history showing whether someone voted—not how they voted—is public information. During the November 2024 presidential election, Shiawassee County reported approximately 72% turnout among registered voters, with about 35,000 ballots cast countywide. The county trends Republican in most statewide elections, though competitive races generate substantial voter engagement. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature several significant races for local voters. Michigan will hold elections for Governor (four-year term), Secretary of State, Attorney General, one U.S. Senate seat (Senator Gary Peters' seat, depending on cycle), all Michigan House of Representatives seats (110 districts, two-year terms), and approximately half of the Michigan Senate seats (38 districts, four-year staggered terms). Shiawassee County voters will elect county commissioners, county clerk, county treasurer, sheriff, prosecuting attorney, register of deeds, and drain commissioner. Residents will also decide any local proposals, school board seats for Durand Area Schools, and potential city ballot questions. Michigan offers no-reason absentee voting, meaning any registered voter can request an absentee ballot without providing justification. Applications are available at www.michigan.gov/vote or through the Shiawassee County Clerk. Voters can request placement on the permanent absentee voter list to automatically receive applications for each election. Completed absentee ballots must reach the local clerk's office by 8:00 PM on Election Day; ballots can be mailed (postmarks do not count), delivered in person, or placed in official drop boxes. The city maintains a ballot drop box at City Hall, accessible 24/7 during the election period.