Kendall, Michigan Public Records

Voter registration in Michigan can be completed online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, in person at the Van Buren County Clerk's office, the Porter Township offices, the Secretary of State branch offices, or at designated voter registration agencies. Michigan now offers same-day voter registration, meaning eligible citizens can register and vote on Election Day at their local clerk's office or at their polling place. Voters must provide proof of residency such as a Michigan driver's license, state ID, or current utility bill. Michigan requires voters to present photo identification at the polls or sign an affidavit if ID is not available. Because Kendall is an unincorporated community, there are no municipal elections for mayor or city council. Porter Township holds elections for township supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and trustees on a regular cycle, typically during the August primary and November general elections in even-numbered years. County-level elections bring Van Buren County voters to the polls for positions including county commissioners, sheriff, prosecutor, clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, and drain commissioner. Residents can find their assigned polling place by using the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, entering their name and date of birth or residential address. The system displays polling location, sample ballots, and election dates. In the November 2024 presidential election, Van Buren County recorded approximately 60-65% voter turnout, with around 22,000-24,000 ballots cast from approximately 36,000 registered voters. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, voters will decide races including Michigan Governor (the gubernatorial election occurs in midterm years), Michigan Secretary of State, Michigan Attorney General, one U.S. Senate seat (Michigan's Class II Senate seat), Michigan's 6th Congressional District representative, Michigan State Senate and House seats (depending on redistricting), Van Buren County commission seats, county executive offices including sheriff and prosecutor, and Porter Township positions. Absentee voting in Michigan is available to all registered voters without requiring a reason, thanks to Proposal 3 passed in 2018. Voters can request absentee ballots online through the Michigan Voter Information Center, by mail, or in person at their local clerk's office. Applications must be received by the Friday before the election for mail delivery, though voters can request and submit absentee ballots in person at the clerk's office through Election Day. Michigan law makes various election records publicly accessible, including voter registration lists (available for purchase by qualified requesters), campaign finance disclosure reports filed with the Michigan Secretary of State (searchable at www.michigan.gov/sos), candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and ballot language for proposals and amendments. The Van Buren County Clerk's Office maintains historical election results and can provide certified election documents upon request.