Paw Paw, Michigan Public Records

Citizenship, age 18 by Election Day, and Michigan residency. The state now permits Election Day registration, allowing residents to register and vote simultaneously at their clerk's office or polling place with proof of residency. Online registration requires a driver's license or state ID number and must be completed 15 days before an election, though in-person registration remains available through Election Day itself. As an incorporated village, Paw Paw holds municipal elections for village president, council members, and village clerk. These village elections typically occur in November of odd-numbered years, with the next regular election scheduled for November 2025. Candidates file nominating petitions with Van Buren County Clerk, and local ballot proposals may appear alongside candidate races. Residents can locate their assigned polling place using the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote by entering their name and date of birth or address - the same tool displays sample ballots, early voting sites, and absentee ballot status. Michigan's publicly accessible election records include voter registration lists (available for lawful election purposes), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees (searchable at www.michigan.gov/sos), candidate filing documents, petitions, and precinct-level results published after canvassing. The county clerk posts certified election results on the Van Buren County website once canvassing concludes. Van Buren County reported approximately 42,000 registered voters for the November 2024 presidential election, with turnout exceeding 70% - evidence of strong civic engagement in this politically competitive corner of southwestern Michigan. The November 3, 2026 general election will bring Michigan's gubernatorial race to local voters as Governor Gretchen Whitmer's term expires that year. Also on the ballot will be several statewide executive offices including Attorney General and Secretary of State, multiple Michigan House of Representatives seats (all 110 seats face election every two years), the Michigan State Senate District 20 seat, and Van Buren County offices including County Commissioner positions, Sheriff, Clerk/Register of Deeds, Treasurer, and Prosecuting Attorney. Michigan does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026, as both Senator Gary Peters and Senator Debbie Stabenow's current terms extend beyond that year, though Senator Stabenow has announced her retirement and a special election timeline may affect 2026. Local school board, township, and village positions may also appear depending on their election cycles. Michigan voters can request absentee ballots for any reason without justification, either by applying online through the Michigan Voter Information Center, submitting a paper application to the Van Buren County Clerk or local clerk, or appearing in person. Applications must be received by 5:00 PM the Friday before the election for mailed ballots, though voters can request and submit absentee ballots in person at the clerk's office through 8:00 PM on Election Day. Completed absentee ballots must arrive by 8:00 PM on Election Day to count, and Michigan now provides ballot tracking through www.michigan.gov/vote so voters can confirm their ballot was received and accepted.