Owosso, Michigan Public Records

Michigan residents can register to vote online at www.michigan.gov/vote through the Michigan Voter Information Center operated by the Secretary of State. Online registration requires a valid Michigan driver's license or state ID card. The state offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on Election Day at their clerk's office or polling place with proof of residency. Voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and Michigan residents. The Owosso City Clerk's Office at 301 West Main Street, Owosso, MI 48867, phone (989) 725-0500, also processes registration applications and provides election services including absentee ballot applications and local election administration. Municipal elections in the city fill the mayor's office and city council positions. The mayor serves a two-year term while council members serve staggered four-year terms. These municipal elections occur in November of odd-numbered years, with the next contests scheduled for November 2025 and November 2027. Candidates file nominating petitions with the City Clerk, and local ballot proposals or charter amendments may appear when placed by the council or through citizen petition. Voters can locate their assigned polling place using the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote by entering their name and birth date or address. The system displays precinct numbers, polling location addresses, and sample ballots for upcoming elections. Multiple voting precincts operate throughout the city at schools, community buildings, and public facilities. Public election records in Michigan include voter registration files with some redacted personal information, campaign finance reports for candidates and ballot question committees, candidate filing documents, precinct-level results, and poll books. Campaign finance reports are searchable through the Michigan Secretary of State's Campaign Finance System at www.michigan.gov/campaignfinance. Election results for the county and city are posted on Shiawassee County Clerk's website after certification. Voter registration lists can be requested for election-related purposes under Michigan election law (MCL 168.1 et seq.), though use restrictions apply. Shiawassee County reported voter turnout of approximately 68-72% of registered voters in the November 2024 presidential election, consistent with Michigan's high engagement in presidential contests. Total votes cast in Shiawassee County exceeded 35,000 in November 2024, reflecting strong participation across local precincts. The November 3, 2026 general election will bring significant choices for Owosso and Michigan voters. Federal races include one of Michigan's U.S. Senate seats and all U.S. House seats, including the congressional district representing the city. State-level contests in 2026 include all 110 seats in the Michigan House of Representatives and 19 of the 38 Michigan Senate seats with staggered terms. County-level races will fill various Shiawassee County offices that may include county commissioners, prosecuting attorney, sheriff, clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, and drain commissioner, depending on term schedules. The city will not have municipal elections in 2026 as those occur in odd-numbered years, but residents will vote on federal, state, and county races. Michigan offers no-reason absentee voting, meaning any registered voter may request an absentee ballot without providing justification. Applications can be submitted online through the Michigan Voter Information Center, by mail, or in person at the City Clerk's Office or county clerk's office. Applications must be received by 5:00 PM the Friday before Election Day for mail delivery, though voters can request and vote an absentee ballot in person at the clerk's office through 8:00 PM on Election Day. Absentee ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day either by mail with sufficient delivery time, in person at clerk's offices, or via secure drop boxes that the city may provide. Michigan election law (MCL 168.1 et seq.) and administrative rules govern all election procedures, ballot access, campaign finance, and election record retention.