Pleasant Ridge, Michigan Public Records

Michigan residents can register to vote online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, which also provides registration status checks, sample ballots, and polling place information. The state offers Election Day registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on the same day at their city or township clerk's office or at their polling place with proof of residency. Pleasant Ridge residents can also register at Pleasant Ridge City Hall, 23925 Woodward Avenue (phone: 248-541-2901). Acceptable proof of residency includes a Michigan driver's license, state ID, current utility bill, bank statement, or government document showing name and address. Municipal elections in the city follow an odd-year cycle, with races for Mayor and City Commission held in November. The Mayor serves a two-year term, while City Commission members serve four-year staggered terms. The next Pleasant Ridge municipal election will be November 4, 2025, for Mayor and two City Commission seats. Voters can locate their assigned polling place by entering their address at www.michigan.gov/vote. The city typically operates 2-3 precincts at locations including Whitefield Commons or other community facilities. Michigan election records available to the public include the Qualified Voter File (voter registration list, available for purchase for political purposes), campaign finance reports for all candidates and committees (searchable at www.michigan.gov/sos under Campaign Finance), candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 presidential election, Oakland County saw approximately 65-67% voter turnout, with over 630,000 ballots cast out of approximately 950,000 registered voters, reflecting high engagement in this competitive swing county within the swing state of Michigan. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Pleasant Ridge and Oakland County voters will decide several major races: Michigan Governor (incumbent Gretchen Whitmer term-limited, open seat), all Michigan State House seats (110 districts), Oakland County Executive, Oakland County Commissioner districts, Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds, Oakland County Treasurer, Oakland County Sheriff, Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney, and various judicial positions including Oakland County Circuit Court judges and district court judges. No U.S. Senate seat from Michigan is up in 2026 (next Senate race is 2028). State legislative districts were redrawn in 2021 by the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. Pleasant Ridge voters may also see ballot proposals for local millages, state constitutional amendments, or county initiatives. Michigan offers no-reason absentee voting; any registered voter can request an absentee ballot without providing justification. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through the Michigan Voter Information Center, by mail, or in person at Pleasant Ridge City Hall. Voters can request to be added to the permanent absentee voter list. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. The Friday before Election Day, though voters can request and submit an absentee ballot in person at their local clerk's office through 8 p.m. On Election Day. Michigan also offers early in-person voting for nine days prior to Election Day at designated early voting sites in each community.