Pointe Aux Pins, Michigan Public Records

The 50th Circuit Court, phone (906) 643-7302, has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, juvenile cases, and probate matters including estates and guardianships. Both courts serve all of Mackinac County including unincorporated communities like Pointe Aux Pins. Michigan offers online court record access through the Michigan Court Case Search system, available at https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/. This free public portal allows users to search for civil, criminal, family, and probate cases by party name, case number, or attorney. The database includes case information from district and circuit courts statewide, including Mackinac County courts, and displays case types, filing dates, dispositions, and scheduled hearings. However, some sensitive records such as certain juvenile matters and adoption cases are not available online. Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the respective court clerk's office. The 91st District Court charges $10 for certified copies of court records, while the 50th Circuit Court charges similar fees as established by Michigan Court Rules. Fees for filing new cases vary by case type: small claims filing fees are approximately $50-$80, civil case filing fees range from $150-$375 depending on the amount in controversy, and criminal case fees are set by statute. Specific current fee schedules can be obtained by contacting the court clerk's office at (906) 643-7300 for District Court or (906) 643-7302 for Circuit Court. In-person record requests can be made during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, at the courthouse in St. Ignace.

The department maintains data on property characteristics, assessed values, taxable values, and exemptions such as homestead and agricultural classifications. The Mackinac County Register of Deeds, located at 100 South Marley Street, St. Ignace, MI 49781, phone (906) 643-7301, is responsible for recording and maintaining legal documents related to real property including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage discharges, easements, liens, land contracts, and other instruments affecting title to real estate. All recorded documents become part of the public record and can be searched by the public. The Register of Deeds office maintains indices searchable by grantor (seller), grantee (buyer), and legal description. While some Michigan counties offer free online access to recorded documents, Mackinac County's records may require in-person research or contacting the office directly for document copies. Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a statutory fee of $1 per page for the first page and 50 cents for each additional page. For geographic property information, residents may access parcel mapping through the Mackinac County Equalization Department or through regional GIS resources. Michigan property tax information is public record, and property owners can obtain tax bills, payment history, and delinquency information from the Mackinac County Treasurer's Office at (906) 643-7305. Property searches can be conducted by parcel identification number, owner name, or property address. The county maintains historical records of property transfers, assessments, and tax payments that can be valuable for title research, property valuation, and due diligence in real estate transactions.

The local economy benefits from the broader tourism industry that drives Mackinac County, particularly visitors attracted to nearby St. Ignace, Mackinac Island, and the Straits of Mackinac region. Major employers for residents who live in or near Pointe Aux Pins include the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, Mackinac County government offices in St. Ignace, local school districts, healthcare facilities such as Mackinac Straits Hospital in St. Ignace, and seasonal hospitality businesses including hotels, restaurants, and ferry services. Mackinac County as a whole has an economy centered on tourism, government services, education, and healthcare. The presence of Mackinac Island, one of Michigan's premier tourist destinations, significantly impacts the regional economy with thousands of seasonal workers employed in hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and transportation services during the summer months. The county's median household income is below the Michigan state average, reflecting the seasonal nature of much employment and the rural character of the region. Pointe Aux Pins itself is characterized by higher property values along the Lake Huron shoreline, where waterfront homes and cottage properties command premium prices. The community has seen modest growth in recent years as retirees and seasonal residents invest in lakefront properties, though year-round population remains very limited. Economic development in the area is constrained by the remote location, limited commercial infrastructure, and harsh winter climate, but the natural beauty and recreational opportunities continue to attract seasonal visitors and property owners who value the quiet, scenic character of Michigan's Upper Peninsula shoreline.

Pointe Aux Pins is an unincorporated community without its own police department. Law enforcement services for the area are provided by the Mackinac County Sheriff's Office, located at 100 South Marley Street, St. Ignace, MI 49781, phone (906) 643-7526. The Sheriff's Office has jurisdiction over all unincorporated areas of Mackinac County, including Pointe Aux Pins and Moran Township, and handles patrol, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and emergency response. Residents can request police reports, incident reports, and accident records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly in person or by written request. The Michigan State Police also maintains jurisdiction throughout the county and operates the St. Ignace Post at 1536 West US Highway 2, St. Ignace, MI 49781, phone (906) 643-7582, which handles major crimes and provides investigative support.

Arrest records and jail booking information for Pointe Aux Pins residents are maintained by the Mackinac County Sheriff's Office, which operates the Mackinac County Jail at the same St. Ignace address. Current inmate information, including names, booking dates, charges, and bond amounts, can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly at (906) 643-7526. Michigan does not maintain a centralized online inmate search portal for all county jails, so residents must contact the county facility directly for booking information and jail rosters.

Public records requests for law enforcement documents in Mackinac County are governed by Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Michigan Compiled Laws Section 15.231 through 15.246. Under Michigan FOIA, residents have the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records, including police reports, arrest logs, and incident reports, with certain exemptions for ongoing investigations and confidential information. Requests should be submitted in writing to the Mackinac County Sheriff's Office or the specific agency holding the records. Agencies must respond within five business days and may charge reasonable fees for copies and labor. Some records, such as those involving juveniles or active investigations, may be exempt from disclosure under state law.

However, the primary custodian of vital records in Michigan is the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, located at 201 Townsend Street, Lansing, MI 48913, phone (517) 335-8655. The state office maintains birth records from 1867 forward and death records from 1897 forward. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online through the state's VitalChek service at https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/vitrecords, with fees of $34 per certified copy for online orders (includes processing and expedited shipping) or $24 per copy for mail-in requests. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests and 7-10 business days for online orders. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate eligibility to obtain records. Marriage licenses for Pointe Aux Pins residents are issued by the Mackinac County Clerk's Office at 100 South Marley Street, St. Ignace, MI 49781, phone (906) 643-7300. Couples must apply in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers. The marriage license fee in Michigan is $20 for residents who have completed premarital education or $30 without education. There is a three-day waiting period between application and issuance unless waived by the court. Marriage records are public and can be searched through the County Clerk's office, with certified copies available for $10 per copy. Michigan marriage records are maintained by the county clerk where the license was issued. Divorce records are maintained by the 50th Circuit Court at (906) 643-7302, as divorce is a circuit court matter. Certified copies of divorce decrees can be obtained from the court clerk for approximately $10 per certified copy. Michigan restricts access to vital records: only individuals named on the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with documented legal interest may obtain certified copies. Identification requirements include government-issued photo ID and proof of relationship or legal authority when applicable.

Certain businesses such as food service establishments, contractors, and businesses selling alcohol require specific licenses from state agencies or local health departments. The Mackinac County Building and Zoning Office should be contacted regarding permits for construction, signage, and land use compliance. Fictitious business name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) in Michigan are filed with the county clerk in the county where the business is located. Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with the Mackinac County Clerk's Office. The filing fee is approximately $10 and the registration must be renewed every five years. These records are public and can be searched at the County Clerk's office. Michigan business entity registrations including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other business entities are registered with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations Division. The official business entity search is available free online at https://cofs.lara.michigan.gov/SearchApi/Search/Search. This database allows searches by business name, identification number, or registered agent, and displays entity status, formation date, registered agent information, and business address. Business owners can file formation documents, annual reports, and amendments online through the same portal. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) lien searches for secured transactions and personal property liens are maintained by the Michigan Department of State and can be searched online at https://www.michigan.gov/sos/. UCC filings are public records that show security interests in business assets, equipment, and inventory. For real property liens affecting businesses, including mechanics' liens, judgment liens, and tax liens, records are maintained by the Mackinac County Register of Deeds and can be searched at (906) 643-7301. Business property tax assessments and commercial property records can be researched through the Mackinac County Equalization Department at (906) 643-7303, which maintains assessment rolls showing taxable values for all commercial and industrial properties in Pointe Aux Pins and throughout Mackinac County.

Election services for Pointe Aux Pins voters are administered by the Mackinac County Clerk, located at 100 South Marley Street, St. Ignace, MI 49781, phone (906) 643-7300. The County Clerk serves as the county's chief election official and manages voter registration, election administration, absentee voting, candidate filings, and election result certification for all of Mackinac County, including unincorporated communities like Pointe Aux Pins. The office website and election information can be accessed through the Mackinac County government page at https://www.mackinaccounty.net/.

Michigan voters can register online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/. Online registration is available to Michigan residents with a valid driver's license or state ID. Voter registration must be completed at least 15 days before an election. Michigan also offers Election Day registration, allowing qualified residents to register and vote on the same day at their local clerk's office or at their polling place with proof of residency. Acceptable proof includes a Michigan driver's license, state ID, or documents showing name and current address such as utility bills or bank statements. Michigan residents can check their voter registration status, view sample ballots, and find polling locations through the Michigan Voter Information Center website.

As an unincorporated community, Pointe Aux Pins does not hold municipal elections for mayor, city council, or other local offices. Residents vote in Moran Township elections for township supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and trustees. Township elections are typically held in even-numbered years during the August primary and November general elections. Pointe Aux Pins voters also participate in Mackinac County elections for county commissioners, sheriff, clerk, treasurer, prosecutor, register of deeds, and other county offices, as well as state and federal elections.

Voters can locate their assigned polling place by using the Michigan Voter Information Center at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/ or by contacting the Mackinac County Clerk at (906) 643-7300. Polling places are assigned based on residential address and voters must vote at their designated precinct location unless voting absentee. Polls in Michigan are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day.

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act makes numerous election records publicly accessible. Voter registration lists (excluding certain personal information), campaign finance reports, candidate filings, petitions, and certified election results are public records available through the Mackinac County Clerk's office or the Michigan Secretary of State. Campaign finance disclosures for state and county candidates can be searched at the Michigan Bureau of Elections website at https://www.michigan.gov/sos/elections. Precinct-level election results are published by the county clerk following certification and are available to the public.

In the November 2024 presidential election, Mackinac County reported voter turnout of approximately 73-76%, consistent with Michigan's strong participation in presidential elections. The county, like much of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, has historically shown competitive voting patterns with support varying between Republican and Democratic candidates depending on the specific race and election cycle.

On November 3, 2026, Pointe Aux Pins and Mackinac County voters will participate in Michigan's gubernatorial election cycle. Races on the ballot will include Governor of Michigan (four-year term), Secretary of State, Attorney General, all 110 seats in the Michigan House of Representatives, and approximately half of the 38 Michigan State Senate seats depending on district boundaries. Mackinac County voters will elect county officers including county commissioners, sheriff (four-year term), clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, and prosecutor, along with Moran Township officials. There is no U.S. Senate seat from Michigan up for election in 2026; Michigan's next Senate race will be in 2024 (completed) and 2028. Candidate filing deadlines typically occur in April of election years, and voters can find information about local candidates and ballot proposals through the Mackinac County Clerk's office.

Michigan offers comprehensive absentee voting options. Any registered Michigan voter may request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Applications for absentee ballots can be submitted online through the Michigan Voter Information Center, by mail, or in person at the county clerk's office. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the Friday before Election Day at 5:00 PM for mail ballots, though voters can request and vote an absentee ballot in person at the clerk's office up until 8:00 PM on Election Day. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the county clerk by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted; postmarks do not extend this deadline. Michigan also allows early in-person voting beginning nine days before Election Day at designated early voting centers. Mackinac County voters should contact the County Clerk at (906) 643-7300 for information about absentee ballot applications, early voting locations, and ballot tracking.