Lakeside, Michigan Public Records

Residents can register online at www.michigan.gov/vote, in person at the Berrien County Clerk's office or Lincoln Township Clerk, or by mail using a Michigan Voter Registration Application. Michigan's Election Day registration allows residents to register and vote the same day at their clerk's office with proof of residency. Standard registration closes 15 days before an election for those voting at polling places, though same-day registration remains an option. Valid photo ID or a signed affidavit is required at the polls. Since the area is unincorporated without city government, there are no municipal elections for mayor or city council. Instead, residents participate in Lincoln Township elections for supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and trustees, typically scheduled in November of odd-numbered years (next in 2025 and 2027) or during the August primary and November general election. Polling locations are assigned by precinct, which voters can verify at www.michigan.gov/vote by entering their street address; most residents cast ballots at Lincoln Township Hall, 9200 South Street, Baroda, MI 49101. Michigan law makes certain election records publicly accessible, including voter registration files showing name and address (but not birth date or driver's license), campaign finance disclosures available through the Michigan Secretary of State, candidate filings, and precinct-level results. These can be obtained through the Berrien County Clerk or at www.michigan.gov/sos. During the November 2024 presidential election, Berrien County recorded approximately 65% voter turnout with over 90,000 ballots cast from roughly 138,000 registered voters, while Lincoln Township showed strong participation consistent with statewide trends. The November 3, 2026 election will feature several significant races for local voters: Michigan's Governor seat (Governor Gretchen Whitmer's term expires in 2026, creating an open race or re-election depending on candidacy), all 110 seats in the Michigan House of Representatives, State Senate District 20 covering Berrien County, one Michigan Supreme Court seat, Berrien County positions including County Commissioner districts, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, Sheriff, Prosecuting Attorney, and other county offices, plus Lincoln Township positions if scheduled for even-year elections. While no U.S. Senate seat from Michigan is up in 2026 (Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin serve terms expiring in 2026 and 2030 respectively, though as of 2025 this could change), Michigan's 6th Congressional District seat representing Berrien County will appear on the ballot. Absentee voting is available to any Michigan voter without requiring an excuse; applications can be obtained through the Michigan Voter Information Center, by contacting the Berrien County Clerk or Lincoln Township Clerk, or by submitting a signed written request. Applications must arrive by 5:00 PM the Friday before Election Day, while completed ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day to count. The state also offers permanent absentee voter status for those wanting to automatically receive applications for each election. Michigan expanded early voting under recent law changes, providing up to nine days of early in-person voting at designated sites beginning in 2024.