Hersey, Michigan Public Records

This office manages voter registration for local residents, processes absentee ballot applications, maintains voter files, certifies election results, and provides information on candidates and ballot proposals for all elections conducted in Osceola County. Michigan residents, including those in Hersey, can register to vote online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote. The state offers same-day voter registration, meaning eligible residents can register in person at their local clerk's office or at their polling place on Election Day with proof of residency. To register, applicants must 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 before the election. Acceptable proof of residency includes a Michigan driver's license, state ID, utility bill, bank statement, or government document showing name and current address. Voters can check their registration status, view their sample ballot, and find their polling place location through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote. The Village of Hersey holds municipal elections for village council positions and other village offices. Village elections in Michigan communities are typically held in odd-numbered years, with many scheduled for November of odd years or in some cases in May. The village's next council election is scheduled according to the village charter, with council members serving staggered terms. Residents can find information about local candidates, village ballot proposals, and election dates by contacting the Village of Hersey Clerk at 205 W. Main Street, Hersey, MI 49639, (231) 832-5525, or by checking with the Osceola County Clerk's election division. Village elections often have low turnout compared to federal elections but are crucial for local governance decisions affecting zoning, services, and village budgets. In the November 2024 general election, Osceola County saw voter turnout of approximately 64-68% of registered voters, consistent with Michigan's relatively high statewide turnout for the presidential election. The local precinct typically reflects county-wide participation patterns. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, voters in Hersey and the county will decide several important races. Michigan will hold elections for Governor (the gubernatorial term expires in 2026, with Governor Gretchen Whitmer term-limited), all Michigan House of Representatives seats (110 districts, two-year terms), approximately half of the Michigan State Senate (38 districts, four-year staggered terms), and various county offices including Osceola County Commission seats, County Clerk, County Treasurer, Register of Deeds, Prosecuting Attorney, and Sheriff. There will be no U.S. Senate race in Michigan in 2026 as both of Michigan's U.S. Senate seats (currently held by Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin as of 2024) will not be up for election. Hersey Township offices may also appear on the ballot, including township supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and trustees. Voters should check the Osceola County Clerk's website for a complete list of candidates and ballot proposals as the election approaches. Michigan allows no-reason absentee voting, meaning any registered voter can request an absentee ballot without providing an excuse. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through the Michigan Voter Information Center, by mail, or in person at the local clerk's office. Residents should contact the Osceola County Clerk or their local township clerk to request absentee ballots. Applications must be received by the Friday before the election (or voters can request and vote an absentee ballot in person at the clerk's office through the day before the election, up to 8 PM). Completed absentee ballots must be received by 8 PM on Election Day; postmarks do not count. Michigan also offers early in-person voting at designated sites beginning nine days before Election Day. Public election records in Michigan include voter registration lists (without birth dates or driver's license numbers), campaign finance disclosures filed with county and state authorities, candidate filings, precinct-level election results, and poll books showing who voted (but not how they voted, as ballots are secret). These records are available through the Osceola County Clerk and the Michigan Secretary of State at www.michigan.gov/sos.